$rom  i?ft  &i6rarg  of 

in  (^emorp  of 
Sub^e  ^dmuef  (Utiffer  QSrecftinrtbge 

(preeenfeb  6l> 

^dmuef  (gtifPer  QSrecftinribge  feong 

to  f  ^  feifirarg  of 

(Princeton  C^eofogicaf  ^eminarj? 
SIC 


^       Rev.  Mr.  HARRIS'S 
r«        MASONIC 


f^  D  I  S  C  O  U  R  S  E  S. 

1801.  '»^- 


EXPLANA*nON 


JPRON^ISPI£C£. 


THE  oval  in  the  centre  Is  an  engraving  from 
an  antient  painting  in  the  Herculaneum. 

The  figures  at  the  fides  and  bottom  are  explained 
in  the  Diflertation  at  the  end  of  this  vokime, 
which  was  written  to  vindicate  to  fome  of  the 
Author's  learned  friends  the  explication  he  ventur- 
ed to  give  of  that  paflage  In  the  book  of  Revela- 
tions which  is  the  fubjeft  of  the  Fifth  Difcourfe, 


DISCOURSES, 

DELIVERED   ON    PUBLIC  OCCASIONS, 

ILLUSTRATING   THE    PRINCIPLES,  DISPLAYING 
THE  rENDENCr,  AND  VINDICATING 

FREE  MASONRY, 


-^ 


Br  THADDEUS  MJSON  HARRIS^ 

PAsV  GRAND  CHAPLAIN  TO  THE  GRAND  LODGE, 

AND 

CHAPLAIN  TO  THE  GRAND   ROYAL  ARCH  CHAPTER 
OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 


a=: 


PRINTKD    AT    CHARLESTOWN, 

i?r    SAMUEL   ETHER/jDGE. 

(Copy  right fecured.) 
ANNO    LUCII, 

^8oi. 


N 


PREFACE. 


Several  of  thefe  difcourfes 
have  been  delivered  before  the 

GRAND  LODGE  OF  MASSACHUSETTS 

in  the  difcharge  of  my  office  of 
GRAND  CHAPLAIN.  Somc  of  them 
have  been  already  publiflied,  in  a 
pamphlet  form,  at  the  requefl 
and  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  particular  lodges  at  v^hofe 
confecration  they  were  deliver- 
ed ;  but,  as  their  circulation  v^as 
limited,   many   of  the  brethren 


V*  INTRODUCTION. 

who  were  defirous  of  perufing 
them  had  not  an  opportunity. 
To  fatisfy  the  repeated  applica- 
tion of  fuch,  and  to  extend  to 
the  pubhc  in  general  fome  cor- 
re6l  ideas  of  the  facred  charaSier 
and  genuine  principles  of  Free  Ma- 
fonry,  I  have  been  induced  to 
confent  to  the  republication  of 
thofe  difcourfes  in  which  I  en- 
deavored to  obviate  the  mifrep- 
refentations,  confute  the  afper-. 
fions,  and  allay  the  prejudices 
which  have  been  fo  induftrioufly 
circulated  to  deftroy  th^  credit 
of  the  inftitution.. 

Some  difcourfes  are  now  added 
which  I  declined  publiihing  at 
the  time  of  their  delivery  ;  and 


INTRODUCTION.  Vii 

Others  are  prepared  for  this  vol- 
ume to  give  it  a  fuitable  variety, 
and  a  refpeftable  fize. 

The  critic  will  doubtlefs  find 
thefe  compofitions  unequal  and 
defeftive.  For  this  fome  apolo- 
gy mull  be  made.  They  were 
written  upon  emergencies,  upon 
very  fliort  notice,  and  when  there 
was  no  leifure  to  fpare  from  the 
preffing  avocations,  the  laborious 
duties,  and  the  anxious  cares,  in 
which  their  author  was  involved. 

**  HsEc  fcripfi,  non  otii  abundantia,  fed  amoris," 

However  they  may  be  receiv- 
ed by  the  Public,  this  I  would 
have  remembered,  that  I  have 
endeavored  in  them  to  give  a 


Vin  INTRODUCTION. 

faithful  delineation  of  the  fpirit  and 
principles  j/'free  masonry;  "  I 
fpeak  that  I  do  know,  and  teftify 
that  I  have  feen  ;"  and  theje pages 
contain  the  open  and  undisguis- 
ed  SENTIMENTS   OF   MY  HEART. 

N.  B.  In  the  hafte  of  tranfcribing  for  the  prefs, 
a  note  of  interrogation  was  inferted  at  the  end  of  the 
fecond  line  of  the  217  page,  which  the  reader  wifl 
pleafe  to  erafe. 


CONTENTS. 


DISCOURSE  I. 


ON    THE   DESIGN    AND    GENIUS    OF    FREE 
MASONRY. 
Prov.  xvii.  17.  A  friend  loveth  at  all  times  ;  and 
a  brother  is  born  for  adverfity  1 7 


DISCOURSE  II. 


ON  THE  RELIGIOUS  CHARACTER  AND  BENEVO- 
LENT AIMS  OF  FREE  MASONRY. 
Luke  ii.  14.   Glory  to  GOD  in  the  highefiy  and  on 
earth  peace  and  good  will  towards  tnen  39 


CONTENTS, 


DISCOURSE  in. 


ON  THE  PEACEFUL  GENIUS  OF  FREE  MASONRY. 

Rom.  xiv.  9.  Let  us  therefore  follow  after  the 
things  which  make  for  peace ^  and  things  luhere- 
with  one  may  edify  another  55 


DISCOURSE  IV. 


DN  THE  CHARITABLE  PURPOSES  OF  FREE  MA- 
SONRY, 
lievlt.  XXV,  35.  J^  thy  brother  be  waxen  poor  and 
fallen  into  decay  with  thee^  thoik  fhalt   relieve 
him  ;  yeay  though  he  be  aflranger  orfojourner, 
that  he  may  live  with  thee  6^ 


DISCOURSE  V. 


FREE  MASONRY  GLORIFIED. 
Ilcvel.  ii.   17.      5r<?  hi7n  that  cvercometh  will  I- 


CONTENTS.  xi 

fhe  to  eat  of  the  hidden  manna  ;    And  I  ivill 
give  him  a  white  Jioney  and  in  thejione  a  new 
name,    written,   ivhich  no  man  knoweth  Jaijinr 
he  that  receiveth  it.  83 


DISCOURSE  VI. 


MASONIC  EMBLEMS  EXPLAINED. 
Jklatth.  X.   16.    Behold  I  fend  you  forth  as  Jheep 
among  wolves  .•   he  ye,  therefore,  wife  as  fer- 
pents  and  harmlefs  as  doves  ^X 


ON    ILLUSTRATING  OUR  PROFESSION   BY    EX- 
AMPLE. 

Matth.  V.  16.  Let  your  light  fo  Jhitie  before  men 
that  they  may  fee  your  good  worh,  and  glorify 
your  F4THER  who  is  in  heaven  117 


Xa  CONTENTS. 


DISCOURSE  VIII. 


ON  PRESERVING  THE    CREDIT    OF   THE    INSTI- 
TUTION. 
Rom.  xiv.    1 6.    Let  ncty  thetiy  your  good  be  evil 
fpoken  of  135 


DISCOURSE  IX. 


ANSWER  TO  SOME    POPULAR   OBJECTIONS-  TO 

FREE  MASONRY. 
Exod.  xvi.  15.  And  ivhen  the  children  of  If  roe  I 
Jaw  it,  they  /aid  one  to  another,  it  is  manna, 
for  they  ii^iji  not  what  it  was.  And  MqsES 
faid  unto  them,  this  is  the  bread  luhich  the 
L  ORD  hath  given  you  to  eat. 


DISCOURSE  X. 


.LAMINATION  OF    THE   MODERN  PREJUDICES. 
AGAINST  FREE  MASONRY. 


CONTENTS.  Xiii 

Rom  X.  3.  We  be  Jlanderoiijly  reported^  and  fame 
affirm  that  tue  fay  let  us  do  evil  that  good  may 
come  1 8  ? 


DISCOURSE  XL 


ON  THE  BEST  WAY  OF  DEFENDING  FREE  MA- 
SONRY. 

I  Pet.  ii.  15.  16.  With  nuell  doing  ye  may  put 
toftlence  the  igtiorafice  of  foolijfj  men.  jis  free, 
and  not  uftng  your  liberty  for  a  cloak  of  mali- 
cioufnefs)  but  as  the  fervants  of  GOD  209 


DISCOURSE  XII. 

VALEDICTORY. 
2  Cor.  xiii.    1 1.      Finally^  Brethren,    Farewell. 
Be  perfeEl.    Be  of  good  comfort.    Live  in  peace  ; 
and  the  GOD  of  love  and  peace  f mil  be  ivith 
yon  225 


3UV  CONTENTS. 

A  MASONIC  EULOGY  441 

A  CHARGE  258 

ADDRESS  TO   A  BROTHER    AT  HIS 

RECEPTION  257 

ADDRESS  TO   A   BROTHER   ON  HIS 

BEING  CRAFTED  2^1 

ADDRESS   TO   A   BROTHER    AT   HIS 

RAISING  274 

FUNERAL  ADDRESS  286 

ON   THE    DEDICATION    OF    COLUM- 
BIA HALL  284 

FRATERNAL  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEM- 
ORY OF  WASHINGTON  290 

EXTEMPORANEOUS  DIRGE  300 

MASONIC  DIRGE  ^      301 

HYMN  302 

TRANSLATION  OF  THE  NOTES  303 


CONTENTS.  acr 

DISSERTATION  ON  THE  TESSERA 
HOSPITAUS  OF  THE  ANTIENT 
ROMANS  305 

INTRODUCTION  307 

CHAPTER  L 
Of  the  Tefl'era  Hofpitalis 

SECTION  L 

Method  of  contra^ling  Friendflilp  309 

SECTION  II. 

The  ufe  and  facred  nature  of  this  contra^  311 

SECTION  III. 

Connc«n:ion  indiffoluble  but  by  a  public  difa- 

vowal  3 13 

SECTION  IV. 

Difgrace  of  violation  314 

SECTION    V. 

The  privileges  of  this  Friendfliip  might  be 
claimed  by  the  dcfcendants  of  the  con- 
tra^ors  -51(5 


■xvv  CONTENTS. 


SECTION    VI. 


A  praftice  of  this  kind  in  ufe  among  the  early 

cliriftians  319 

SECTION  VII. 

Application  321 

Obje£tions  removed  328 

CHAPTER    II. 

Of  the  Arrha  Hofpitale  3^5 

CHAPTER    III. 

Of  the  Bacillus  328 


DISCOURSE   I. 

ON  THE 

DESIGN  AND   GENIUS   of 
FREE  MASONRY. 


«  Haec  eft  vera  et  Indirupta  Fraternitas,  quae  ani- 
morum  perfe£lione  ac  virtute  concrefcit  ;  cujus  fcmel 
initum  foedus,  nee  defideriorum  varletas,  ncc  conten- 
tiofa  dirumpet  contrarletas  voluntatum  :  quse  fratrem 
veneratur  devotum,  corripit  difTolutum,  prsefentem 
obfequitur,  abfentem  non  rodit,  fanum  applaudit,  in- 
firmum  non  deferit,  divitem  gaudet,  pauperum  adju- 
vat,"     Kabauvs,  fuper  Matth.  cap.  ult. 


DISCOURSE  I. 


Delivered  at  BRIDGWATER,   November   3,   1797,   at  the 
CONSECRATION  OF  FELLOWSHIP  LODGE. 


PROVERBS  xvir.  17. 

A    FRIEND   LOFETH  AT  ALL    TIMES  /     AND   A 
BROTHER   IS    BORN    FOR    ADFERSITT" 


w 


H  O  does  not  know  and  feel 
that  man  is  ordained  to  converfc  with  his 
brethren  ;  to  impart  to  them  what  he  is  and 
has  ;  to  interchange  his  reflections  and  fen- 
timents  with  theirs  ?  Who  has  not  tafted  the 
plcafures  of  focial  life,  or  been  charmed  with 
the  more  intimate  union  oifriendjhip  ?  There- 
fore, who  does  not  find  in  himfelf  fufficient 
impulfe  to  the  ufe  of  the  one,  and  the  enjoy- 
ment of  the  other  f 

But  whether  this  tendency  to  fociety  pro- 
cure us  all  the  good  it  might  ;  whether  there 
be   not  fome  forms   in  which   a  wife   and 


20  On  the  dejtgn  and  genius 

benevolent  man  may  derive  from  his  compan- 
ionable propenfities  and  afFedionate  difpoli- 
tions  greater  utility  and  more  noble  pleafures 
than  in  their  common  application  j  is  a  fub- 
jed  worthy  of  inveftigation. 

Man  is  fond  of  focial  life.  But  if  the 
fondnefs  be  without  limitation  it  is  extrav- 
agant ;  if  it  be  not  regulated  it  is  unreafona- 
ble.  When  the  affedions  are  diffufed  indif- 
criminately  they  become  languid  :  When 
confined  to  an  individual  objed  they  are 
ftraitened  and  contraded.  Like  the  rays  of 
light,  if  widely  diverged,  they  are  fcattered 
and  loft  ;  if  concentrated  in  a  very  fmall 
focus,  they  are  intenfe  :  their  real  ufe  is  in  a 
due  medium,  where  they  are  colleded  fo  as 
to  warm,  to  vivify,  and  to  cheer  ;  not  to 
burn,  effervefce,  and  confume. 

"  A  FRIEND,*'  fays  Solomon,  "  ioveth  at  all 
ti?}ies."  But  how  rare  is  fuch  a  friend  ! 
When  found,  tried,  and  proved,  how  valua- 
ble !  Well  mischt  an  antient  wife  man  advife 
"  not  to  change  a  friend  for  any  good,  by  no 
means  ;  neither  a  faithful  brother  for  the 
gold  of  ophir."*     "  A  brother  is  born  for 

♦  Ecclcfiaftlcus  vii.  i8. 


of  Free  Mafonry,  2 1 

adverftty ;"  but  how  feldom  does  he  inherit  a 
difpofition  for  its  duties  !*  So  that  the  wife 
man  elfewhere  advifes  "  Go  not  into  thy 
brother's  houfe  in  the  day  of  thy  calamity,"! 
adding,  that  there  is  greater  reafon  to  ex- 
pe6l  afliftance  from  ftrangers  than  benefit 
from  relatives. 

Friendship  wants  not  panegyrifts.  Phi- 
lofophers,  hiflorians,  orators,  and  poets  have 
made  it  their  favorite  theme,  and  dwelt  upon 
its  praifes  with  enrapturing  eloquence.  There 
have  been  found  fome  in  all  ages  to  decorate 
its  flirine  with  the  choiceft  flowers  of  fancy, 
and  the  moft  exquifite  ornaments  of  art. 
And  yet  in  all  ages  and  at  all  times  lamenta- 
tions have  been  made  of  the  felfiflmefs,  the 

*  "  Fratcr  ne  deferere  fratrem,  fratrum  quoque  rara  gratia  eft." 
By  comparing  the  antient  verfions,  there  is  reafon   to  fuppofe 
that  the  fame  perfon  is  intended  in  both  claufes   of  the  fentence, 
and  that  the  real  conftrudbion  of  the  verfe  is,  Tue  friend   who 

LOVETH  AT    ALL  TIMES,    IS  BORN    (tbct    is,   bccOniCS,    or    prOVts)     A 

BROTHER  IN  ADVERSITY.  This  reading  is  fupported  by  Eben 
Ezra,  Munster,  Vatablus,  and  Patrick.  In  like  manner,  it 
has  been  obferved,  that  "  though  a  Brother  is  not  always  a  Friend, 
yet  a  Friend  is  always  a  Brother." 

The  writer,  in  choofing  the  text,  had  reference  alfo  to  the  ChaU 
dee  paraphrafe,  which  is  followed  by  the  Tar^um  and  the  Talmud 
Bahyknicum,  and  adopted  by  the  learned  Schultens.  " /«  omni 
tempore  amat  Socn;s  -ueriis  ;   et  ille  f  RATER  ejl  ad  u/igujliam  natus." 

t  Prov.  xxvii,  lO. 

B  2 


22  On  the  dejtgn  arid  genius 

inflncerity,  or  the  perfidy  of  profefTed  friends. 
Few  who  have  tried  it  have  found  it  capable 
of  affording  thofe  high  fatisfaclions  which  are 
attributed  to  it.  Mofl  have  fuftered  from  the 
eventual  worthlefsnefs  of  the  bofom  partner  ; 
or  from  his  mean  and  interefted  views,  had 
the  fund  of  fenlibility  and  confidence  with 
which  they  commenced  the  attachment  fairly 
exhaufted.  Their  bleeding  afFeclions  and  in- 
jured peace  have  given  them  too  much  caufe 
to  repent  the  truft  they  repofed  witli  fuch 
fond  and  implicit  affiance.  How  many,  too, 
under  the  fpecious  femblance  of  friendfhip, 
*'  full  of  fair  feeming,"  have  been  betrayed 
by  their  fond  credulity,  or  precipitated  by 
their  unfufpeding  heedlefsnefs,  into  extrava- 
gant attachments  and  pernicious  intimacies  ! 
And  ah  !  how  many  have  been  deceived  and 
undone  by  unprincipled  companions,  whom 
they  had  cherilhed  as  virtuous  friends  ! 

The  fa<5l  is,  Friendiliip,  as  it  is  known  and 
cultivated  in  the  world,  feldom  arifes  from  a 
cool,  difcriminating  choice,  founded  on  zuorth, 
and  fanclioned  by  virtue.  Men  revolt  from 
fuch  formal  contrails,  where  the  affcdions 
muft  wait  for  the  flow  approbation  of  the 


of  Free  Mafonry*  29 

judgment  ;  and  the  /jeart  reftrain  its  impulfes 
or  delay  its  regards,  till  reafon  has  been  con- 
fulted,  and  had  opportunity  to  decide  upon 
the  propriety  of  their  indulgence.  Hence, 
the  connexion  of  which  we  are  fpeaking  moft 
commonly  originates  from  cafual  acquaint- 
ance, the  confequence^  of  a  fimilarity  of  fen- 
timents,  fituations,  or  purfuits  ;  rendered 
more  and  more  agreeable  and  intimate,  as  it 
is  found  conducive  to  mutual  convenience, 
pleafure,  or  advantage.  Sometimes  it  is  little 
elfe  than  the  reciprocal  negociations  of  inter- 
eft,  or  mercenary  exchange  of  fervices,  which 
the  felfilh  employ  to  promote  their  advan- 
tage. The  intercourfe  ceafes  with  the  mo- 
tive that  gave  it  birth  :  as  partnerfhips  in 
trade  are  diflblved  when  the  fpecial  objed:  of 
the  firm  has  been  effefted,  or  has  failed. 

There  are  friends  enough  to  be  faithful, 
and  brethren  enough  to  love  in  the  feafon  of 
profperity  :  to  participate  our  abundance,  to 
feaft  on  our  plenty,  and  to  rejoice  in  our  de- 
lights. But  it  is  the  moft  deplorable  fate  of 
adverfity,  that,  when  we  are  in  the  greateft 
need  of  friends,  it  often  puts  them  farthcft 


24  On  the  deftgn  and  genius 

from  us.*  "  Some  men,  fays  the  wife  fon 
of  Sirach,  afe  friends  for  their  Own  occafion, 
and  will  not  abide  in  the  day  of  trouble  : 
and  there  is  a  friend,  who  being  turned  to 
enmity  and  reproach,  will  difcover  thy  re- 
proach. Again,  fome  friend  is  a  companion 
at  the  table,  and  will  not  continue  in  the  day 
of  affliction.  In  thy  profperity  he  will  be  as 
thyfelf,  and  will  be  bold  over  thy  fervants  j 
but  if  thou  be  brought  low,  he  will  be  againft 
thee  and  hide  himfelf  from  thy  face.  A  friend 
cannot  be  known  in  profperity  ;  and  an  ene- 
my cannot  be  hidden  in  adverfity  :  in  the 
profperity  of  a  man  enemies  will  be  grieved  j 
but  in  his  adverlity,  even  a  friend  will  de- 
part." t 

In  fliort,  friendfliip  is  fo  commonly  found- 
ed owf elf -inter  ejl^  and  in  its  utmofl  purity  is 
fo  much  like y^^-Zo'y^'  ;  it  is  fubjed  to  fo  many 
interruptions  ;  fo  uncertain  and  fhort-lived ; 
and  withal  is  fo  partial  and  limited  an  exer- 

*  Ut — comes  radios  per  folis  cuntibus  umbra, 

Cum  latet  hie  prefTus  nubibus,  ilia  fugit ; 
Mobile  fie  fequitur  Fortuns  Jumina  vulgus, 
Qiia  fimul  inducSla  nofte  teguntur,  abit. 

OviB,  7V//7.  I. 

f  Ecclus.  vii.  5 — 12.  and  xli.  8,  9.       "  In  inalis  amicus  deferit 
amicum."    Plaut. 


of  Free  Mafonry,  25 

cife  of  the  focial  affeftions  and  benevolent 
difpoiitions  of  our  nature  j  that  we  muft 
abate  much  from  the  high  praifes  with  which 
it  comes  recommended  to  us,  and  expect  to 
find  it  defeftive  as  a  pure  virtue.  Hence, 
perhaps,  the  total  filence  of  the  gofpel  upon 
this  fubjed.  For  it  has  been  remarked  that 
"  it  is  neither  enjoined  nor  recommended  in 
any  one  fentence  in  the  whole  new  tefla- 
ment."  Chriftianity,  to  be  fure,  makes  it 
not  a  duty  j  does  not  exprefsly  inculcate  it  : 
prefcribing,  indeed,  to  its  followers  benevo- 
lence towards  all,  and  univerfal  kindnefs  and 
brotherly  love,  but  not  difcri?ninate  friendjhip, 
which,  ftriftly  fpeaking,  cannot  be  a  perma- 
nent obligation  for  all.  It  is  not  to  be  en- 
joined, like  juftice  and  general  kindnefs.  Its 
rife  and  progrefs  muft  frequently  depend  on 
circumftances  and  events  that  we  are  not  al- 
ways able  to  influence  or  command.  That 
could  not  properly  be  made  the  object  of  a 
divine  requifition,  which  is  purely  a  matter 
of  free  choice,  and  fo  delicate  in  its  nature  as 
to  render  the  meeting  of  thofe  who  are  qual- 
ified for  it  altogether  uncertain.  So  that 
even  very  intelligent  and  worthy  men,  of  » 


i6  On  the  deftgn  and  genius 

fweet  and  amicable  difpofition,  may  and  oft- 
en muft  forego  the  attachments  of  this  pecu- 
liar and  appropriated  alliance  in  their  ftricleft 
intimacy  and  warmed  cordiality  ;  not  from 
any  fault  of  theirs,  but  from  not  finding  eafl- 
ly  in  others  that  perfect  fimilarity  of  difpofi- 
tion and  coincidence  of  fentiment  and  regard 
on  which  friendlhip  is  founded.  And,  in- 
deed, "  to  lavifh  on  one  objed;  that  kindnefs 
and  affection  which  ought  to  be  diffufed  a- 
mong  the  whole  human  race,  might  well  be 
deemed  a  monopoly  incompatible  with  that 
free  and  general  commerce  of  good  offices 
which  the  gofpel  certainly  meant  to  extend 
to  every  quarter  of  the  globe.*'* 

On  the  other  hand,  though  it  be  our  in- 
cumbent duty  to  love  all  and  to  do  good 
to  ALL,  even  this  is  to  be  but  as  we  have  op- 
portunity ;  and  it  is  flill  to  be  underftood 
xhztfome  have  a  more  fpecial  claim  upon  our 
cfteem,  and  a  more  immediate  need  of  our 
ailiflance.     Widely  as  we  extend  the  circle 

*  Bp.  PoRTEDS,  in  a  fermon  on  John  xiii.  23,  has  attempted 
to  prove,  and  he  does  it  in  a  moft  pleafing  and  ingenious  man- 
ner, that,  although  friendfliip  is  not  exprefsly  enjoined  in  the  gof- 
pel, yet  it  is  implicated  in  many  of  its  precepts,  and  recommend- 
ed in  the  example  of  the  Savior. 


of  Free  Mafonry.  27 

of  our  benevolent  regards,  univerfal  and  dif- 
interefted  as  our  good  will  may  be,  yet  it  is 
certain  we  can  neither  know  the  needy  nor 
adminifter  to  the  comfort^  of  every  individual. 
Ignorance  of  the  former,  and  inability  to  the 
latter,  reftrain  even  our  attempts.  The  very 
circumftances  of  the  cafe  require  a  more 
fpecial  appropriation  :  while  our  reafon,  our 
inftincts,  and  natural  propenfities,  lead  us  to 
make  choice  of  fome  on  whom  to  gratify 
our  kind  inclinations  and  benevolent  a^s, 
where  they  may  be  indulged  and  applied 
with  dearer  intereft  and  happier  efiecl.  And 
this  may  be  done  in  entire  confiflency  with 
that  UNIVERSAL  LAW  OF  LOVE  which  the 
gofpel  enjoins. 

It  remains,  then,  that  we  inquire  for  fome 
medium^  where  our  affedions  may  be  exercif- 
ed  without  being  partial  and  without  being 
indifcriminate.  And  how  fhail  we  attain 
this  defirable  mean  between  the  diffufednefs 
of  general  regard  and  the  contraflednefs  of 
individual  attachment,  but  in  a  fele^l'wn  of 
thofe  among  our  acquaintance  who  poflefs 
congenial  hearts,  mutual  good  difpoiitions 
and  propenfities,  and  reciprocal  efleem  and 


28  On  the  defign  and  genius 

love  ?  Who  are  infpired  with  like  ardor  In 
the  purfuit  of  wifdom,  like  zeal  in  the  caufe 
of  virtue  ?  Of  whom  to  form  an  aflbciation 
which  ihall  partake  of  the  liberal  fpirit  of 
Philanthropy  and  the  intimate  union  of  Friend- 
Jhip  ;  combining  the  benevolence  of  the  one 
with  the  tendernefs  of  the  other.  And  what 
fociety  anfwers  fo  exactly  to  this  defcription, 
and  unites  fo  many  of  thefe  purpofes  and  ad- 
vantages, as  that  of  FREE  masons  ?  Founded 
on  a  liberal  and  extenfive  plan,  its  benigni- 
ties extend  to  every  individual  of  the  human 
race,  and  its  adherents  are  collected  from 
every  nation  under  heaven.  It  invites  to  its 
lodges  the  fons  of  virtue,  of  love,  and  of 
peace  ;  that  it  might  conned  them  by  vows 
of  eternal  amity  in  a  moft  facred,  intimate, 
and  endeared  alliance,  and  unite  and  invigo- 
rate their  befl  endeavors  for  mutual  and  gen- 
eral advantage.  Blending  their  refources  in 
a  common  ftock,  and  forming  a  community 
of  interefts,  it  makes  the  profperity  of  each  in- 
dividual the  object  of  the  whole,  the  profper- 
ity of  the  whole  the  object  of  each  individual. 
How  nearly  does  this  approach  the  ftate  of 
the  primitive  Chriftians^  who  were  "  of  one 
heart  and  one  foul,  neither  faid  any  of  them 
that  aught  of  the  things  which  he  poffeffed 


of  Free  Mafonry.  29 

was  his  own,  but  they  had  all  things  com- 
mon !"  Were  fuch  the  unanimity,  love, 
equality,  generoiity,  and  difmtereftednefs,  of 
profefling  Chriftians  iiow.  Free  Mafonry 
would  be  lefs  neceffary  among  them. 

Moreover,  in  the  affociation  we  are  de- 
fcribing  is  alfo  realized  that  conjlancy  of  affec- 
tion which  friendfliip  boaftingly  promifes, 
but  frequently  fails  to  retain  ;  and  that  ten- 
der fympathy  which  fraternal  love  ought  ever 
to  exprefs.  There  is  to  be  found  "  the 
friend  that  loveth  at  all  times,  and  the  broth- 
er that  is  born  for  adverfity."  And  fuch  are 
the  mutual  relations  and  connections  which 
compofe  the  fodality,*  that  "  if  one  member 
fuffer  all  the  members  fuffer  with  it,  and  if 
one  member  rejoice  aU  the  members  rejoice 
with  it." 

The  order,  though  compofed  of  perfons 
from  various  countries,  feparated  by  all  the 
natural  barriers  which  prevent  men  from 
running  into  coherent  maffes,  yet  feems  to 
be  one  body  actuated  by  one  foul.  Thou- 
fands   and   thoufands  have  one  heart,  one 

•  "  Fratcrnum  vcre  duke  fodalitium  !"       Ci»Tn.. 


30  On  the  dejlgn  and  genius 

hand  ;  the  heart  of  benevolence,  the  hand  of 
charity. 

Sweet  are  its  ufes  in  adverfity  !  Then, 
when  the  offices  of  general  Philanthropy  would 
not  reach  us  ;  or  our  jhare  in  its  benignities 
be  inadequate  to  our  need  :  when  Fricndjhip 
grows  cold,  and  its  moft  zealous  profeflbr 
forfakes  us  ;  Mafonry  triumphs  in  the  exer- 
cife  of  its  lovely  charities.  The  nobleft 
fpherc  of  its  operation  is  in  redrefling  the  ca- 
lamities of  negleded,  injured,  merit ;  invef- 
tigating  the  wants  and  fupplying  the  need 
of  indigence,  relieving  pain,  pitying  and 
foftening  infirmity  ;  admiring  and  foftering 
virtue.  Yes,  the  true  Mafon  (and  all  who 
are  not  fo  Ihould  not  be  numbered  among 
us,)  the  true  Mafon  looks  as  much  to  the 
welfare  of  his  coHeague  as  to  his  own  ;  feels 
more  fatisfadion  when  he  can  give  him  af- 
fiftance,  when  he  can  benefit  him  or  fuffer 
for  him,  than  when  he  receives  help  or  fa- 
vors from  him  ;  and  is  mofl  forward  to  re- 
lieve him  when  his  occafion  is  mod  urgent 
and  his  ability  to  requite  the  favor  appears 
the  leaft.  He  is  emphatically  the  "  brother 
born  for  adverfity."     If  his  means  of  affifl;- 


of  Free  Mafonry,  ^l 

ance  are  fmall,  and  his  powers  of  relief  lim- 
ited, he  will  at  leaft  difcover  thofe  foft  and 
gentle  attentions,  and  that  tender  and  heart 
felt  companion,  which  footh  the  diftrefs  he 
cannot  remove,  and  bathe  with  tears  the 
wound  he  cannot  heal.  He  remains  true 
and  faithful  to  his  brother  when  he  can  pro- 
cure him  no  more  profit  and  afford  him  no 
more  help,  and  has  no  tribute  to  make  him 
but  fighs  of  fympathy  and  tears  of  pity.  He 
forfakes  not  his  bed  of  languifhment.  He 
ftays  to  fupport  his  drooping  head,  to  catch 
his  expiring  breath,  and  to  clofe  his  eyes 
with  the  laft  offices  of  fraternal  affedion. 
Nor  does  his  love  ceafe  to  ad  in  his  brother's 
behalf  becaufe  his  fpirit  is  departed,  and  his 
perfon  is  no  more  an  objed  of  neceffity.  It 
is  ftronger  than  death.  It  is  the  inheritance 
of  his  fan^ly.  It  fympathizes  in  the  forrows 
of  his  bereaved  relations,  inquires  out  their 
neceffities,  and  ftrives  to  be  all  that  to  them 
which  he  was  in  kindnefs  and  in  care. 

Such  are  the  offices  of  Free  Mafonry  in 
adverlity.  Such  its  affeftion  and  its  fympa- 
thy. What  fweet  cordials  may  thus  be  in* 
fufed  even  into  the  bittereft  forrows  of  life  ! 
What  cheering  light  fpread  over  the  dark- 


32  On  the  genius  and  defign 

neffcs  that  furround  it  !  With  what  vigor 
and  courage  will  it  infpire  the  weary  and 
heavy  laden  heart !  With  what  a  lenient  hand 
will  it  bind  up  its  wounds  ;  with  what  ani- 
mating encouragements  awaken  its  hopes  \ 
To  this  kind  end,  what  attention,  what  alli- 
duity,  what  complacency,  what  indulgence, 
what  facrifice,  is  too  inconfiderable  or  too 
great !  And  what  repays  and  rejoices'  more 
than  when  we  fee  the  fufFering  brother  fufFer 
Icfs,  fufFer  more  compofedly,  or  fufFer  no 
more  ;  when  we  can  fee  him  reflored, 
ftrengthened,  cheered,  and  fatisfied  5  again 
in  pofFelTion  of  the  comforts  of  life. 

This,  I  am  bold  to  fay,  is  the  genuine  fpirit 
of  our  inflitution.  Thefe  are  its  appropriate 
fervices,  its  peculiar  duties.  In  this  philan- 
thropic affeftion,  and  in  thefe.  benevolent 
and  gentle  cares,  does  it  endeavor,  l?y  the  in- 
culcation of  forceful  precept  and  the  exhibi- 
tion of  afFefting  example,  to  inftrud  and 
exercife  its  attentive  and  faithful  difciples  : , 
exciting  the  generous  difpofition  of  love  ; 
adding  to  brotherly  kindnefs,  charity  ;  con- 
firming the  habits  of  difmterefled  benefi- 
cence ;  and  prompting  "  the  capacious  wilh 
that  pants  for  univerfal  good." 


of  Free  Mafonry*  33 

Not  that  I  would  by  any  means  be  un- 
derftood  to  intimate  that  thofe  who  are  not 
of  the  fodahty  may  not  be  as  confpicuous  in 
all  thefe  amiable  regards  as  thofe  that  are  : 
but  only  that  our  inftitution  adds  to  the  law 
of  our  natures  and  the  requifitions  of  our 
moft  excellent  religion,  another  and  prevail- 
ing inducement  to  their  obfervance.  So 
that  to  fay  "  an  uncharitable  or  unkind  Free 
Mafon"  implies  a  grofs  contradidion  :  and  if 
fuch  an  one  there  be,  he  has  done  violence 
to  his  profeffion,  and  is  an  odious  excref- 
cence  on  our  fociety. 

Here  indulge  me  the  freedom  of  one  re« 
mark.  Inafmuch  as  Mafonry  is  profcfled  in 
thofe  nations  which  have  not  yet  been  con- 
verted to  the  Chriftian  faith,  and  as  it 
enkindles  benevolence  an4  exqites  virtue  fo 
accordant  with  the  genius  of  the  Gofpel,  it 
may  eventually  liave  no  inconiiderable  ten-* 
dency  towards  introducing  and  propagating 
among  them  that  moft  glorious  fyftem  of 
revealed  truth  ;  at  leaft  by  humanizing  the 
difpofition,  foftening  the  manners,  and  re- 
moving the  prejudices,  may  prepare  the  way 
c 


34  On  the  dejign  and  genius 

for  that  moft  defirable  event.*  I  hazard 
this  obfervation,  with  more  confidence  from 
knowing  that  the  sublime  graded,  to 
which  all  the  initiated  with  fo  much  eager- 
nefs  afpirc,  do  in  fad  imply  the  knowledge 
and  cannot  be  attained  but  through  the  ac- 
knowledgment of  Chriftianity.f 

Finally  ;  with  conliflent  views  of  our 
Society  even  the  prejudiced  will  forego  their 
diflike.  They  muft  acknowledge  that  the 
blunders  of  its  ignorant  or  the  vices  of  its 
degenerate  members  do  not  indicate  defed  nor 
prove  bafenefs  in  the  inftitution  itfelf.  As  we 
do  not  know  the  heart,  we  may  be  deceived, 
and  unhappily  adopt  the  unworthy.  As  we 
cannot  alter  the  nature  nor  control  the  paf- 
lions  of  men,  there  may  be  fome  among  us 
whom  our  perfualions  have  been  inefFedual  to 
meliorate  or  our  injundions  to  reform  ;  who 
*'  remember  not  the  brotherly  covenant,"!  or 

*  So  St.  John  the  Baptift,  the  firft  Chriflian  Mafon,  was  com- 
miffioned  to  prepare  the  way  of  the  Lord  ;  to  fmooth  the  way 
and  remove  the  obftrudlions  to  the  introdu6Uon  of  his  truth. 

■)■    Particularly  the  "  Companions  of  the  Holy  Sepulchre"  and 
the  "  Knights  of  St.  John  of  Jcrufalem." 

.}  Amos  i.  9  . 


of  Free  Mafonry*  35 

difregard  its  bonds.  We  lament  thefe  un- 
fortunate circumftances.  We  pity  our  weak, 
and  reprobate  our  corrupt  brethren.  We  are 
forry  too,  that  the  world  is  fo  difpofed  to 
treat  us  contemptuoufly  on  their  account. 
Still  we  comfort  ourfelves  with  the  hope  that 
the  candid  will  fee  where  the  error  lies,  and 
not  withhold  honor  from  thofe  to  whom  it  is 
due  :  while  we  are  affured  that  every  friend 
of  enlightened  reafon  and  redified  humanity 
will  approve  and  patronize  our  fecial  plan. 
Herein  we  this  day  indulge  a  livelier  joy,  and 
felicitate  the  members  of  the  newly  ere£bed 
lodge  on  the  happy  occafion. 

Right  Worjhipful  Master,  Worjhipful  Ward- 
ens, Refpeded  Officers,  a7id  Beloved 
Brethren  ofFellowJhip  Lodge, 

Your  joy  is  the  joy  of  us  all.  Pure  be 
the  pleafures  of  your  union,  increafing  the 
profperity  of  your  lodge  !  Ever  may  you 
exhibit  for  each  other,  and  for  every  mem- 
ber of  the  Mafonic  family,  that  conjiancy  of 
affcdion  which  fignalizes  the  friend  who  lov- 
eth  at  all  times,  and  that  tendernefs  offympathy 
which  defignates  the  brother  who  is  born 


3  6  Oil  the  dejign  and  genius 

for  adverfity.  In  all  that  is  afFe<^Ionate  and 
all  that  is  noble  may  you  excel  !  And  let 
your  confpicuous  virtues  diffufe  beauty  and 
luftre  over  your  own  characters  and  that  of 
the  Society  to  which  you  belong ! 

The  appearance  of  two  Grand  Lodges  on 
this  occafion  is  an  happy  exemplification  of 
Mafonic  union  and  harmony,  and  an  addi- 
tional fource  of  pleafure  to  us  all.*  Let  me 
be  honored  as  the  organ  of  fraternal  con- 
gratulation on  the  plealing  circumflance. 

The  very  large  colleftion  of  refpe<5lable 
brethren  gives  a  dignified  afpecl  to  the  day. 
I  falute  them  all  w^ith  fraternal  aflfedion.f 
May  the  honor  our  inftitution  derives  from 
their  patronage,  and  our  feftival  from  their 
prefence,  be  repaid  in  all  thofe  ads  and 
exprefllons  of  refped  with  which  we  delight 
to  venerate  the  worthy,  the  wife,  the  emi- 
nent, and  the  good  ! 

*  The  Grand  Lodge  of  Maflactuifctt.s  under  the  M.  W.  Paul 
Revere,  Efq.  Grand  Mafter,  was  jouied  by  the  M.  W.  Jabez 
BowKN,  Efq.  Chancellor  of  the  College,  and  late  Governor  of  the 
State  of  Rhode-Ifland,  at  the  head,  with  fevcral  members,  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  that  State. 

f  «  Quos  ego  dilcxi  fraterno  more  fodalcs.** 


tfFree  Mafonry.  37 

May  we  all  love  fervently  as  Cliriftians 
and  as  Brethren,  walk  as  children  of  the 
light,  keep  the  unity  of  the  fpirit  in  the 
bonds  of  peace,  and  by  adive,  graceful,  and 
exemplary  virtue  be  trained  up  for,  and 
hereafter  admitted  to,  ihe  Society  of  the  Perfect 
in  the  Temple  not  made  with  hands  eternal 
in  the  heavens  ! 


c  2 


DISCOURSE  II. 

ON    THE 

RELIGIOUS  CHARACTER  anb  BENEVOLENT  AIMS 

QF 

FREE  MASONRY. 


"  Jam  orator  adcrat — vcniamquc  rogavit, 
Paciferaquc  manu  ramum  pretendit  OLiviE." 

VIRGIL,  Mn. 


DISCOURSE  II. 


DELllftRED  AT  OXFORD,     SEPTEMBER   X^,  I798,    AT    THE    COKSE- 

CRATioN  OF  THE   OLIVE  BRANCH  LOBGE. 


LUKE  II.  14. 

"  GLORY  rO  GOD  IN  THE  HIGHEST,   AND  ON  EARTH 
PEACE  AND  GOOD  WILL  TOWARDS  MEN,** 

1  HE  Angelic  hofts,  bringing  "good 
tidings  of  great  joy  which  fliall  be  to  all  peo- 
ple," defcended  to  earth  from  their  fpheres 
of  celeftial  glory  to  announce  the  arrival  of 
the  long  expefted  Meffiah  ;  "  the  delire  of  all 
nations."  They  came  as  the  retinue  of  the 
Heavenly  Prince,  to  honor  his  miflion,  and 
congratulate  mankind  on  his  advent.  Tranf- 
ported  with  the  happy  profpe6ls  which  were 
now  opening  to  the  view  of  the  world,  they 
pronounced  "  peace  on  earth  and  good  will 
towards  men,"  to  be  the  defign  and  legit- 
imate fruits  of  this  new  difpenfation.    The 


42  Religious  Chara&er,  ^c. 

words  of  our  text  form  the  choral  fong  with 
which  they  celebrated  an  event  fo  glorious 
to  God,  fo  aufpicious  to  man  ;  exprefs  the 
matter,  as  well  as  ground  and  reafon  of  their 
acclamations  of  joy  ;  and  fupply  a  fit  topic 
of  difcourfe  before  an  inftitution  which 
breathes  the  fame  fentiment,  and  co-operates 
with  the  fame  plans  of  benevolence  and 
peace.  In  commenting  upon  them,  we  fliall 
conlider  how  they  are  indicative  of  the 
defign  and  effeft  of  the  Chrijlian  Religion; 
and  then  apply  them  to  the  purpofes  of  the 
prefent  affembling,  by  fhewing  how  expref- 
five  they  are  of  the  pacific  and  benevolent 
difpofition  of  Free  Mafonry, 

Let  ms^  firji,  examine  the  peaceful  genius 
and  tendency  of  the  christian  religion. 

The  many  prophecies,  in  the  Old  Tejiamentj 
which  relate  to  the  Mefliah,  and  intimate  the 
defign  and  foretel  the  effeft  of  his  miflion, 
uniformly  fpeak  of  him  as  coming  to  re- 
ftore  peace  on  earth,  and  to  promote  the 
beft  temporal  and  fpiritual  interefl:s  of  man- 
kind. They  give  him  the  title  of  "  the 
Prince  of  peace."*  They  declare,  that  "  of 
the  increafe  of  his  government  and  peace 

*  Ifaiah  ix.  6. 


of  Tree  Mafonry,  43 

there  fliall  be  no  end."*  They  defcribe  the 
genius  and  aufpicious  influence  of  that  do- 
minion which  he  will  exercife,  (after  the 
oriental  manner)  by  a  beautiful  aflemblage 
of  exquifite  and  expreflive  imagery  ;  com- 
paring its  effects  in  reconciling  the  moll: 
hoftile,  and  reforming  and  taming  the  moft 
favage  difpofitions,  to  a  foftening  of  brutal 
natures  ;  to  "  the  wolf  and  the  leopard,  no 
longer  fierce,  lying  down  with  the  Iamb  and 
the  kid  ;  the  calf  and  the  young  lion  led  in 
the  fame  peaceful  band,  and  that  by  a  little 
child  ;  the  heifer  and  the  fhe  bear  feeding 
together,  and  lodging  their  young,  of  whom 
they  ufed  to  be  fo  jealous,  in  the  fame  place  ; 
and  all  the  ferpent  kind  becoming  fo  harm- 
lefs  that  the  fucking  child  may  fafely  put  his 
hand  on  the  bafilifk*s  den,  and  play  on  the 
hole  of  the  afpic."t  Finally,  it  was  prom- 
ifed  that  the  MefTiah  Ihould  come  to  publifh 
peace,J  and  to  eftablifli  with  mankind  "  the 
covenant  of  peace."j| 

*  Ifai.  ix.  7. 
t  IfaL  li.  6—9.     «  The  Greek  and  Latin  Poets  have  painted 
their  Golden  Age  in  very  beautiful  colors,  but  the  exquifite  im- 
agery of  Ifaiah  ftands  unequalled  and  inimitable." 

Smith's  Summary  View  of  the  Prophets^  page  30. 
flfai.  lii.  7.    Nahumi.  15.        jj  Ifai.  liv.  lo.    Ezek.  Kxxiv.  la 


44  Religious  CharaBer,  b'r. 

Concurring  with  thefe  prediclions,  his 
religion  is  ftiled,  in  the  New  Tejiament,  "  the 
gofpel  of  peace.'**  He  indeed  came  and 
"  fpake  peace  to  the  people."  He  confoled 
his  difciples  by  affuring  them  that  in  him 
they  fliould  have  peace.f  And  he  left  them 
a  legacy  in  the  fame  ft  rain.} 

So  remarkable  a  frequency  and  agreement, 
in  the  ufe  and  application  of  this  word  and 
fentiment,  naturally  excites  our  curiofity  to 
know  in  what  fenfe  be  brought  peace  on 
earth,  and  produced  good  will  among 
men.|j  This  is  the  fubjed  of  our  prefent 
inquiry. 

I.  The  words  of  our  text  may  be  con- 
fidered    as   a    proclamation    of    spiritual 

PEACE. 

Christ,  who  came  to  reftore  the  human 
race,  alienated  from  God  by  wicked  works, 
made  our  peace  with  the  juftly  offended 
Deity  and  thus  procured  us  that  peace  of 

*  Rom.  X.  25.  t  John  xvi.  33.        ^  John  xiv.  a7» 

I!  Blfhop  PORTEUS. 


of  free  Mafonry,  45 

mind  which  the  world  could  not  give,  nor 
we  otherwife  obtain. 

"  He  is  our  peace,  faith  the  Apoftle,  that 
he  might  reconcile  us  to  God."*  "  He  came 
and  preached  peace  to  you  (the  gentiles) 
that  were  afar  off,  and  to  them  (the  Jews) 
which  were  nigh.^f  "  Being  juftified  by 
faith,  we  have  peace  with  God  through  our 
Lord  Jeiiis  Chrift."|  Thefe  exprellions,  and 
the  many  others  of  the  like  import  in  the 
chriftian  fcriptures,  fhew  us  that  the  primary 
fenfe  in  \^ich  this  peace  is  procured,  is  that 
of  afpiritual  nature.     But, 

2.  Our  text  may  be  confidered  as  an- 
nouncing   peace   on   earth  in  a  temporai* 

SENSE. 

The  life,  the  charader,  the  inftruclions  of 
Jefus,  all  exhibited  and  recommended  be- 
nevolence and  peace.  And  his  religion  is 
eminently  calculated  to  promote  "  peace  on 
earth  and  good  will  towards  men,"  not  only 
by  rcftraining  or  deftroying  every  paflion 
which  is  unfriendly  to  human  happinefs,  but 

*  Ephcf,  iu  16.       f  Ephcf.  il.  17.      i  Rom.  v.  i. 


46  Religious  CharaBery  ^c. 

by  exciting  every  virtue,  and  cherifliin^ 
every  difpolition  conducive  to  the  mutual 
interefts,  and  conciliatory  of  the  mutual  re- 
gards of  mankind. 

One  great  objeft  of  chriftianity  is  to  open 
the  heart,  improve  the  focial  affections,  and 
render  man  benevolently  difpofed  towards 
all  his  fellow  beings  ;  to  promote  the  moft 
friendly  intercourfe  and  kind  offices  ;  to 
eftablilh  human  fociety  in  peace  and  good 
order  ;  and  to  contribute  to  the  fecurity, 
comfort,  and  true  enjoyment  of  this  life,  as 
well  as  to  lead  men  to  eternal  happinefs  and 
glory  beyond  the  grave.  The  fyftem  itfelfis 
univerfal  benevolence  and  philanthropy.  Its 
pacific  nature  and  amicable  tendency  will 
clearly  appear,  if  we  examine  its  general 
ftructure,  or  confider  the  fpirit  of  its  laws. 
It  recommends  an  affedionate  temper  and 
demeanor,  reprefies  ill  will  and  injuries  of 
every  kind  and  degree,  and  forbids  every  acl 
by  which  the  peace  or  enjoyment  of  our 
neighbor  may  be  interrupted.  "  Follow 
peace  with  all  men  ;"*  "  if  it  be  pofiible,  as 
much  as  lieth  in  you  live  peaceably  with  all 

*  Hcb.  xii.  14. 


of  Free  Mafonry,  47 

men  ;*  "  have  peace  one  with  another  ;t 
ftudy  the  things  which  make  for  peace;*'} 
are  familiar  and  frequent  injunctions,  are 
leflbns  which  perpetually  recur  in  the  writ- 
ings of  the  New  Teftament. 

By  enjoining  it  upon  us  to  do  unto  others 
as  we  would  they  fhould  do  unto  us,  it  regu- 
lates the  practice  of  all  the  known  focial  du- 
ties ;  prefcribes  the  proportion  and  afcertains 
the  meafure  of  juftice,  mercy,  or  benevo- 
lence which  we  ought  to  mete  out  to  others 
upon  all  occafions,  and  makes  even  the  prin- 
ciple of  felf-love  the  moft  efFe^ual  means  of 
pointing  out  and  prompting  us  to  afts  of 
honefty,  humanity,  and  juftice.  By  bidding 
us  love  our  enemies,  blefs  thofe  who  curfe 
us,  do  good  to  thofe  who  defpitefully  ufe  us, 
and  pray  for  thofe  who  perfecute  us,  it  re- 
ftrains  the  refentful  paflions,  prevents  retali- 
ation and  revenge,  and  leads  to  reconciliation 
and  peace. 

So  that  in  this  religion  there  is  nothing 
hoftile  to  the  peace  of  fociety,  or  the  happi- 
nefs  of  mankind  :  But,  on  the  contrary,  all  its 

*  Rom.  xii.  18.      f  Mark  ix.  50.   \  Rom.  xlv.  19. 


48  Religious  CharaBer,  ^c. 

influence  is  on  the  fide  of  human  felicity. 
And  it  is  certain,  that,  the  more  chriftianity 
is  known  and  followed,  the  more  will  men 
become  improved,  and  the  fewer  will  be  their 
contentions,  corruptions  and  crimes :  The 
more  mild  will  be  their  governments,  the 
more  equitable  their  laws,  and  the  more  fe- 
cure  and  lafting  their  national  profperity. 

In  every  country  over  which  chriftianity 
has  fpread  its  peaceful  and  conciliating  influ- 
ence, it  has  meliorated  the  whole  conftitu- 
tion  of  fociety ;  re6lified  its  general  codes  and 
inftitutions  ;  mixed  with  the  civil  arrange- 
ments and  focial  habits  of  life  ;  and  difplayed 
its  efFe6ls  in  common  tranfadlions  and  private 
intercourfe,  in  every  fcene  of  public  engage- 
ment or  domeftic  enjoyment.  "  It  has  foften- 
ed  the  tyranny  of  kings  and  the  rigor  of  the 
laws ;  and  reftrained  the  pride  of  ambition, 
the  horrors  of  war,  and  the  infolence  of  con- 
queft."*  Thus  has  it  been  the  caufe  of  genu- 
ine and  efficient  benefit  to  mankind.  And 
wc  may  confidently  affert,  that,  were  the  gof- 
pel  univerfally  received,  rightly  under ftood, 
and  confcientioufly  praclifed,  under  its  mild 

''  PORTEUS, 


of  Free  Mafonry,  ^g 

dominion,  there  would  be  no  wars  nor  fight- 
ings ;  no  tyranny,  civil  or  religious ;  no  in- 
juftice,  envy,  nor  malice  ;  no  public  or  private 
wrongs  ;  But  peace  and  love,  freedom  and 
benevolence,  would  blefs  the  whole  world. 
What  a  change  would  take  place  in  the  con- 
dition of  mankind,  were  chriftianity  to  obtain 
fuch  an  extenfive  influence,  fuch  a  glorious 
triumph  !  How  profperous  and  happy  would 
all  nations  be  in  "  the  abundance  of  peace  !** 

Such  is  the  peaceful  genius  and  tendency 
of  the  chriftian  difpenfation  ! 

I  WILL  now  clofe  my  difcourfe  by  obferving 
that  the  language  of  our  text  is  alfo  the  ex- 
preflion  of  fxEE  MASONnr. 

This  inftitution  infpires  its  members  with 
the  moft  exalted  ideas  of  God,  and  leads  to 
the  exercife  of  the  moft  pure  and  fublimc 
piety.  A  reverence  for  the  fupreme  Being, 
the  grand  archited  of  nature,  is  the  ele- 
mental life,  the  primordial  fource  of  all  its 
principles,  the  very  fpring  and  fountain  of  all 
its  virtues. 

D 


50  Religious  Cbarader,  csfc. 

It  interefts  us,  alfo,  in  the  dudes  and  en- 
gagements of  humanity ;  produces  an  affec- 
tionate concern  for  the  welfare  of  all  around 
us  ;  and,  raifing  us  fuperior  to  every  felfifh 
view,  or  party  prejudice,  fills  the  heart  with 
an  unlimited  good  will  to  man. 

All  its  plans  are  pacific.  It  co-operates 
with  our  bleffed  religion  in  regulating  the 
tempers,  reflraining  the  paflions,  fweetening 
the  difpofitions,  and  harmonizing  the  difcord- 
ant  interefl:s  of  men  ;  breathes  a  fpirit  of  uni- 
verfal  love  and  benevolence  ;  adds  one  thread 
more  to  the  filken  cord  of  evangelical  charity 
which  binds  mart  to  man  ;  and  feeks  to  in- 
twine  the  cardinal  virtues  and  the  ehriftian 
graces  in  the  web  of  the  affections  and  the 
drapery  of  the  conduft.  In  its  bofom  flows 
cheerily  the  milk  of  human  kindnefs  j  and 
its  heart  expands  with  love  and  good  will. 
It  wears' "  the  ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet 
fpirit."  In  one  hand  it  holds  out  the  olive 
branch  of  peace  ;  and  in  the  other  the  liberal 
donation  of  charity. 

While  Mafonry  thus  aids  the  caufe  of  vir- 
tue by  giving  additional  weight  to  moral  ob- 
ligations J  it  promotes  public  happincfs,  by 


of  Free  Mafonry.  51 

enjoining  a  ready  fubmifTion  to  the  whole- 
feme  laws  and  regulations  of  civil  fociety. 

In  all  countries,  and  in  all  ages  "  the  true 
and  accepted"  have  been  found  to  conduct  as 
peaceable  citizens,  and  acknowledged  to  be 
the  firm  and  decided  fupporters  of  good  or- 
der, government,  and  religion.  How  much, 
then,  are  we  fupprized  to  find  oppofers  to  an 
alTociation  whofe  whole  law  is  peace,  and 
whofe  whole  difpofition  is  love  j  which  is 
known  to  difcourage  by  an  exprefs  prohibi- 
tion the  introduction  and  difcuflion  of  politi- 
cal or  religious  topics  in  its  afl'emblies  ;  and 
which  forbids  in  the  moft  pofitive  and  folemn 
manner  all  plots,  confpiracies,  and  rebellions. 
But,  notwithftanding  the  ignorant  miftake, 
and  the  prejudiced  cenfure  the  fociety,  we 
are  perfuaded  that  its  r*?^/ character  is  too 
well  known,  and  its  credit  too  well  fupport- 
ed,  to  be  injured  by  their  mifreprefentations, 
or  deftroyed  by  their  invectives.  When  they 
charge  us  with  demoralizing  principles,  we 
will  tell  them  that  fome  of  the  moft  ortho- 
dox and  refpe<^able  Clergyjiien  are  of  our  or- 
der J  and  when  they  impute  to  us  diforgan- 


52  Religious  CharaSler,  ^c, 

izing  attempts,  we  will  remind  them  that 
Washington  is  our  patron  and  friend. 

*'  Little  fliould  we  deferve  the  name  of 
the  forts  of  peace,  if  we  violated  our  allegiance 
as  fubjeds  j  much  lefs  fliould  we  merit  the 
protedion  of  the  legiflature,  if  we  gave  the 
flighteft  encouragement  to  machinations 
againft  the  national  tranquillity,  or  the 
poifonous  breath  of  feditious  calumny."* 
To  depart  from  evil  and  do  good  ;  uni- 
formly to  follow  after  the  things  that  make 
for  peace,  and  things  whereby  we  may  edify 
one  another  ;  and  to  promote,  as  far  as  we 
can,  the  general  welfare  of  the  community 
to  which  we  belong,  and  of  mankind  at 
large  ;  is  at  once  our  characleriftic  profeflion, 
our  duty,  our  intereft,  and  our  praife.  And 
while  we  thus  feel  and  acl,  and  are  thus 
known  to  the  world,  we  may  be  perfectly 
eafy  about  thofe  unfriendly  fuggeftions  which 
have  been  propagated  againft  the  fociety  ; 
which,  however,  none  will  believe  who  read 

*  Dr.  WATKINS'  charge  at  the  expulfion  of  a  mafon  in  Eng- 
land, who  had  "  perfifted  in  declaiming  on  (late  affairs,  in  a  man- 
ner which  was  calculated  to  excite  difaflcdion  to  Government." 
8vo.  Lond.  1796. 


of  Free  Mafonry,  ^-j 

our  conftitutions,  and  none  will  fear  who 
fee  our  conduct. 

Remembering,  my  beloved  brethren, 
that  "  PIETY  TOWARDS  GOD  the  glorious 
mafter-builder  of  the  univerfe,  and  love  to 
MANKIND,  are  the  two  grand  immoveable  pil- 
lars which  fupport  the  fabric  of  Mafonry,"* 
may  your  hearts  ever  glow  with  the  warm- 
eft  emotions  of  piety  and  the  nobleft  fenti- 
ments  of  benevok7ice* 

I  salute  the  officers  and  brethren  of  the 
lodge  this  day  publicly  organized,  with  fra- 
ternal affedion.  *'  Peace  be  unto  you,  and 
peace  to  your  helpers."!  Pleafant  be  your 
hours  of  private  intercourfe  ;  bleft  be  their 
tendency  and  happy  their  effecls. 

Under  the  peaceful  fliade  of  your  flour- 
ifhing  OLIVE  branch  may  you  find  refrefh- 
ment.  Fair  be  its  promifing  flowers,  and 
plentiful  its  rich  fruits  !  And  may  the  'falu- 
tary  oil  it  diftils,  heal  all  the  wounds  which 
care,  trouble,  or  calumny  may  make  in  your 
hearts ;  and,  like  the  precious  ointment  on 

*  Antient  Mafonic  CoD(litutions,Chap.  i.§.  z.   f  i  Chron.  xii.  i8. 
D  2 


54  Religious  CharaBer^  ^c. 

the  head  of  Aaron,  make  your  face  to  fliine 
with  gladnefs,  and  diffufe  far  around  you 
the  grateful  and  reviving  perfume  of  honor, 
praife,  and  glory  ! 

Peace  be  within  the  walls,  and  profperity 
to  the  interefts  of  every  lodge  !  Peace  to  the 
brethren  :  And  "  may  the  God  of  peace 
himfelf  give  us  peace  always  by  all  means  1'* 

A  M   E  N  I 


DISCOURSE  III. 

ON  THE  PEACEFUL  GENIUS  OF 
FREE  MASONRY. 


» .^ 


*^  Bleft  are  thie  ^ons  of  peace, 

Whofe  hearts  and  hopes  are  one, 
Whofe  kind  defigns  to  love  and  pleale 


Through  all  their  alliens  run." 


WATTS. 


DISCOURSE  III. 


Delivered  at  WRENTHAM,  October  io,  1798,  at  the  con- 
secration OF  MONTGOMERY  LODGE  of  Franklin. 


ROMANS  XIV.  19. 

"let  us,  THEREFORE,  FOLLOfF  AFTER  THE  THINGS 
IVHICH  MAKE  FOR  PEACE,  AND  THINGS  WHERE- 
WITH  ONE  MAY  EDIFY  ANOTHER" 

IHE  Apoftle,  perceiving  that  fome 
dilTenfions  had  arifen  between  the  jewifli  and 
gentile  converts  with  regard  to  the  perpetu- 
ity of  the  hebrew  ritual  and  the  obfervance  of 
its  ceremonies,  in  this  chapter  affumes  the  of- 
fice of  peace-maker.  He  attempts  to  allay  the 
uncharitable  fpirit  they  difcovered,  and  warm- 
ly recommends  to  the  brethren  the  exercife 
of  mutual  forbearance,  candor,  charity,  and 
love.  And  to  reilrain  their  cenforioufnefs, 
and  fhew  them  the  impropriety  of  judging 
and  condemning-  each  other,  he  reminds  them 
that   they  mull  all  ftand  before  the   judg- 


58  On  the  peaceful  genius 

ment  feat  of  Chrlft,  to  whom  alone  men  are 
accountable  for  their  religious  principles  and 
conduct. 

The  paffage  chofen  for  our  text  is  one  of 
his  friendly  cautions.  It  calls  them  away 
from  emulations  and  ftrife,  and  folicits  their 
utmoft  endeavors  in  the  promotion  of  mu- 
tual pe^ce  and  edification. 

The  recommendation  is  proper,  not  only 
for  thofe  to  whom  it  was  immediately  ad- 
dreffed,  but  for  chriftians  in  all  ages.  Indeed, 
fo  long  as  men  will  think  and  ad  different- 
ly, and  dillike  and  difpleafe  each  other  for 
doing  io  ;  fo  long  as  jarring  inter  efts  and  dif- 
cordant  paffions  divide  and  difturb  them  ; — 
fo  long  will  it  bC'necefTary  to  recal  their  atten- 
tion to  the  duties  of  love,  the  advantages  of 
union,  and  the  charms  of  peace.  And  fuch  is 
the  humble  objeft  of  the  prefent  difcourfe. 
In  purfuing  it,  I  fhaU  attempt  to  explain  the 
duty  here  recommended,  in  general  terms ; 
and  then  Ihew  how  it  belongs  to  us  in  our 

INDIVIDUAL,  SOCIAL,  CHRISTIAN,  and  MASON- 
IC ckara8ers» 


of  free  Mafonry.  59 

I.  To  purfue  the  things  which  make  for 
peace  and  mutual  advantage,  is,  in  general 
terms,  to  endeavor  fo  to  demean  ourfelves, 
in  the  various  ftations  and  offices  of  life,  as  to 
promote  a  friendly  underftanding  and  corref- 
pondence  among  thofe  with  whom  we  con- 
verfe  ;  and  to  prevent,  as  much  as  poffible, 
all  miftakes  and  jealoufies,  all  contentions  and 
ftrife. 

Such  are  the  imperfections  of  our  nature, 
fuch  the  diverfities  or  prejudices  of  our  educa- 
tion, and  in  fuch  different  lights  do  we  fee 
the  fame  thing,  that  it  is  not  probable  we  ever 
fliould  concur  exactly  in  the  fame  opinions. 
Yet  that  we  fliould  make  allowances  for  thefe 
things,  and  exercife  charity  and  candor  for 
each  other,  is  but  reafonable  and  juft :  ef- 
pecially  iince  the  things  in  which  we  all  agree 
are  vaftly  greater  and  of  higher  importance 
than  thofe  in  which  we  differ.  Therefore, 
to  cenfure  or  condemn  others,  becaufe  they 
think  differently  from  us  in  fmall  or  indiffer- 
ent matters,  is  as  unreafonable  as  to  be  dif- 
atisfied  with  them  becaufe  they  have  not  our 
features  or  complexion. 


6b  On  the  peaceful  genius 

But,  to  be  more  particular, 

II.  In  order  to  promote  the  amicable  and 
pacific  difpofition  and  conduft  our  text 
recommends,  we  ought,  as  individuals,  to 
make  it  our  habitual  endeavor  to  cultivate 
and  cherifh  all  thofe  mild  and  friendly  difpo- 
£tions  which  bring  ferenity  into  our  own 
bofoms  and  difFufe  it  to  all  around  us  ;  and 
to  fupprefs  and  reftricl  all  thofe  inclinations 
and  pallions  which  inflame  our  fenfc  of 
injuries,  or  excite  a  fpirit  of  refentment, 
unkindnefs,  or  animofity.  Every  luft,  paf- 
lion,  and  inordinate  affedion,  tends  to  create 
difcord  and  fow  diifenlion.  From  pride 
cometh  contention  ;  from  ambition,  wars 
and  fightings  :  and  difcontent,  envy,  anger, 
and  malice,  are  thofe  roots  of  bitternefs 
which  fpring  up  and  are  fruitful  in  all  the 
diforders  of  private,  focial,  and  public  life. 

Whoever  is  not  at  peace  with  his  own 
felf,  will  never  be  at  peace  with  his  fellow 
creatures. 

If  the  heart  be  full  of  rancor,  the  con- 
dudl  will  be  full  of  malignity. 


Gf  Free  Mafonry,  ^ 

But  he  who  is  kindly  affeftioned,  who 
hath  the  rule  over  his  own  fpirit,  will  be 
under  no  temptation  to  difturb  the  peace  of 
his  neighbor.  His  carriage  will  be  always 
inofFeniive,  his  manners  gentle,  and  his  con- 
duct obliging.  And  thus  will  he  conciliate 
univerfal  eftimation  and  love,  aid  the  caufe  of 
general  harmony  and  peace,  and  edify  all 
around  him  by  his  good  difpolition,  example, 
and  condud. 

III.  In  our  social  character  and  relations 
we  ought,  alfo,  to  purfue  the  plans  of  peace 
and  mutual  edification. 

Men  are  born  for  fociety,  and  defigned  as 
helps  and  comforts  to  each  other*  Strifes 
and  debates,  refentment  and  wrath,  are  dif- 
cordant  with  this  original  deftination  and 
intent.  They  unfocialize  man.  They  are 
deftruftive  of  all  union  and  harmony. 

The  very  nature  and  fituation,  the  inter- 
efts  and  happinefs  of  mankind,  fliew  the  im- 
portance and  necellity  of  purfuing  the  things 
which  make  for  peace,  and  things  wherewith 
one  may  edify  another. 


62  On  the  peaceful  genius 

The  duty  itfelf  implies  mutual  love  and 
charity.  He  who  obferves  it  will  be  kind 
and  condefcending.  His  heart  will  glow 
with  benevolence.  His  arms  will  be  extend- 
ed to  the  large  embrace  of  philanthropy,  or 
the  liberal  beftowment  of  generofity.  In  his 
intercourfe  with  his  fellow  men  he  will  Ihew 
the  moft  obliging  attention  to  their  concerns, 
and  the  moft  adive  readinefs  to  promote  their 
welfare.  He  will  not  needlefsly  give  nor 
take  offence.  He  will  ufe  great  compliance 
in  all  matters  of  indifference,  and  rather 
fuffer  inconvenience  than  excite  uneaiinefs. 
He  is  not  eafily  provoked,  but  fuffereth  long 
and  is  kind.  He  expeds  to  meet  with  little 
affronts,  and  to  have  to  deal  fometimes  with 
difobliging  tempers.  But  he  is  not  apt  quickly 
and  upon  every  flight  occafion  to  conceive  a 
difpleafure,  or  to  take  fire  at  every  provoca- 
tion or  neglect.  He  will  pacify  the  refentful 
by  a  foft  anfwer,  or  difarm  them  by  an 
obliging  court efy.  In  fliort,  he  is  defirous 
and  ready  upon  all  occafions  to  make  up  dif- 
ferences, to  redify  mifunderftandings,  to 
foften  prejudices  and  to  reftore  harmony 
and  good  will  between  any  perfons  and  in 


of  free  Mafonry»  63 

any  cafes  which  fall  within  the  compafs  of 
his  knowledge. 

Such  is  the  character  of  him  who  cndeav* 
ors  as  much  as  lieth  in  him  to  live  peace- 
ably with  all  men,  and  to  promote  their 
peace  and  welfare. 

As  members  of  civil  fociety  it  becomes  us, 
likewife,  to  lead  quiet  and  peaceable  lives ; 
to  promote  the  public  tranquillity  and  prof- 
perity  ;  to  pay  a  due  regard  to  the  laws  of 
our  country,  to  fhew  a  high  refped:  to  our 
rulers,  and  a  generous  confidence  in  their 
wife  adminiftration,  to  avoid  a  fadious  and 
party  fpirit  ;*  and,  by  proving  ourfelves  at 
all  times  the  friends  of  order  and  of  peace,  to 
build  up  and  fuftain  our  national  fecurity, 
liberty,  and  independence. 

IV.  Christians,  more  efpecially,  fhould 
follow  after  the  things  which  make  for  peace 
and  tend  to  mutual  edification.  They  owe 
this    to  the  common  caufe   of  the   gofpel. 

*  "  Donate  inimicitias   Reipublica" — to  facrifce  all  prhait  aui- 
mnfiies  and  difcords  to   the  public  gocd,  was  the  advice  pf  thc    anUcn"^ 

Romaas  for  the  fecurity  of  thcii  civil  ftatc. 


64  On  the  ■peaceful  genius 

They  are  by  their  profeffion  all  "  members  of 
one  body,"  called  "  in  one  hope,"  fervants 
of  "  one  Lord,"  difciples  of  the  fame  heav- 
enly teacher,  inftruded  In  "  one  faith,"  in- 
troduced in  "  one  baptifm,"  and  confecrated 
to  the  "  one  God  and  father  of  all  j"  par- 
takers of  the  fame  promifes,  and  fellow  heirs 
to  the  fame  glorious  inheritance.  What 
bonds  of  union  are  thefe  !  What  conlidera- 
tions  can  prevail  to  divide  thofe  thus  con- 
nected together  by  the  moft  facred  ties  ! 
Shall  they  not  always  love  with  "  one  heart 
and  one  foul,"  and  "  keep  the  unity  of  faith 
in  the  bonds  of  peace  1"  Convinced  of  the 
propriety  of  fuch  a  temper  and  condu(5t  of 
love  and  charity,  let  us,  my  fellow  chriftians, 
make  it  the  fixed  purpofe  of  our  hearts  to 
avoid  all  ftrifes  and  contentions  ;  to  facrifice 
all  little  party  diftin^tions  for  mutual  edifica- 
tion, for  advancing  the  common  intereft  ; 
to  cultivate  and  cherifli  the  kind  affedions  ; 
and  to  do  all  in  our  power  to  promote  and 
preferve  concord  and  unanimity,  harmony 
and  peace,  that  we  may  "  excel  to  the  edify- 
ing of  the  church,"  and  in  the  "  love  of  the 


cf  Free  Mafonry.  65 

brethren.***  And  be  It  remembered,  that, 
while  we  follow  after  the  things  which  make 
for  peace,  we  adorn  the  holy  religion  we 
profefs,  as  well  as  evidence  to  the  world  that 
we  belong  to  that  Jefus  who  is  "  the  Prince 
of  peace,"  and  who  has  faid  that  all  men 
may  know  his  difciples  by  the  love  they  bear 
to  one  another.  So  that  love  is  the  badge 
and  mark  of  the  true  chriftian  :  peace  is  his 
difpofition,  and  edification  his  deftre. 

Acknowledged  and  accepted  in  this  char- 
after  as  the  "  children  of  God,'*  may  we  all 
hereafter  fhare  "  the  fruits  of  righteoufnefs 
which  are  fown  in  peace  for  them  that  make 
peace,'*  in  a  world  where  goodnefs  flourilhes 
in  blifs  eternal ! 

v.  Lastly.  As  masons  let  us  never  neg~ 
left  to  purfue  the  things  which  make  for 
peace  and  mutual  edification.  The  very 
genius  and  defign  of  our  inftitution  affign  us 

•  Pope  Alexander,  in  a  letter  recommending  Peace  between  the 
kings  of  France  and  England,  in  1163,  has  the  following  excellent 
remark  :  "  Inter  caetera  bona,  quae  honiinera  amabileni  proiimis, 
et  placidum  Deo  reddunt,  illud  fpccialiter  :icceptum  fore  credi- 
mus,  quod  caritatem  cordibus  inferit,  ct  animarum  vinculuis 
operalur." 

RvMKR,  Fxdera,  torn  i,  p-  ai. 

£ 


66  On  the  peaceful  genius 

this  duty  :  its  credit  aiid  profperity  demand 
it  of  us.  Recollect  for  one  moment,  my 
brethren,  the  peculiar  fpirit,  the  appropriate 
objed  of  our  ^ociation.  Is  it  not  to  fornt 
us  to  the  habits  and  the  moft  liberal  exercife 
of  charity  and  candor,  forbearance  and  placa- 
bility, humanity  and  peace  ?  Are  we  not  in- 
ftrucled  td  wear  "  the  ornament  of  a  meek 
and  quiet  fpirit,**  and  to  retain  "  the  law  of 
kindnefs  in  our  mouth  ?'*  Are  we  not  in-» 
flru(5led  not  only  to  "  dwell  together  in  uni- 
ty,** but  to  "  follow  peace  with  all  men  :" 
not  only  to  "  bear  one  another's  burdens," 
but  to  "  fulfil  the  whole  law  of  love  :'*  not 
only  to  make  the  kindeft  allowance  for  a 
brother's  infirmities,  but  to  condefcend  to 
the  peculiarities  of  other  men,  excufe  their 
imperfecflions,  and  apologize  for  their  fail- 
ings ?  Yes  !  We  are  taught  to  fupprefs  pri- 
vate prejudices  and  party  fpirit  ;  to  forget 
animofities  and  to  liften  to  the  voice  of  rec- 
onciliation ;  to  foften  into  gentlenefs  and 
complaifance,  fympathy  and  love  ;  and  to 
prepare  for  all  the  duties  of  univerfal  benevo- 
lence. And  muft  not  the  cultivation  of 
fuch  difpolitions  and  habits  have  the  moft 
happy  Influence  on   general  fociety  ?    Mull 


of  free  Mafonry*  6y 

not  men  thus  inftruded  be  the  friends  of  fe- 
cial tranquillity  and  public  happinefs  ?  Cer- 
tainly !  And  FREE  MASONS  have  always  prov- 
ed fo.  For  ages  they  have  maintained  this 
charader  and  merited  this  praife.  And  we 
may  be  allured  that  all  fufpicions  or  declara- 
tions to  the  contrary,  are  unfounded,  unde- 
ferved,  and  unjuft.  Be  it  your  care,  my 
beloved  brethren,  to  fliew  that  they  are  fo, 
by  a  condu6t  that  will  refled  honor  upon 
the  order.  Shun  whatever  would  fix  a  ftig- 
ma  on  its  charader,  or  raife  a  doubt  of  its 
worth.  "  Walk  in  wifdom  towards  them 
that  are  without.**  Do  not  needlefsly  excite 
their  jealoufies,  nor  willingly  provoke  their 
difpleafure.  Convince  the  world,  by  an 
amiable  deportment,  a  wife  demeanor,  and  a 
good  example,  that  while  Mafonry  difcour- 
ages  all  imprudence  and  forbids  all  vice,  it 
aflifts  the  progrefs  and  the  perfeclion  of  hu- 
man virtue  and  happinefs. 

The  officers  and  brethren  of  the  lodge 
this  day  confecrated  will  be  pleafed  to  accept 
my  affedionate  falutations. 

I  CONGRATULATE  you  on  the  aufpicious 
occafion  !    May  all  joy  and  happinefs  ever 


6S  On  the  peaceful  genius^  ^c, 

attend  you  !  May  the  beauteous  edifice*  you 
are  ere<^ing,  be  the  fan6luary  of  piett^  the 
afylum  of  virtue,  the  delightful  abode  of 
LOVE  I  There  may  wisdom  exalt  her  throne  : 
there  "  reign  silence  and  peace  /"  And 
may  you  improve  the  inftrudlive  Icdures  of 
"'  the  craft  to  the  beft  purpofes,  and  with  the 
happieft  effed ;  till,  having  paffed  the  trials  of 
this  probationary  ftate,  you  iliall  be  raifed  to 
the  temple  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in 
the  heavens,  where  all  is  harmony,  and  love, 
and  blifs,  uninterrupted  and  eternal  ! 

"  Finally,  brethren,  farewell.  Be  per- 
fed,  be  of  good  comfort,  be  Of  one  mind, 
live  in  peace  ;  and  the  God  of  love  and 
peace  be  with  you  I"    Amen. 

♦  The  members  of  Montgomery  Lodge  have  creifled  and  arc 
finifliing  a  large  and  handfomc  buildiog  for  their  Aflcmbhcs,  in 
the  town  of  rrankKn. 


DISCOURSE  IV. 

ON  THE   CHARITABLE   PURPOSES   OF 
FREE  MASONRY. 


DISCOURSE  IV. 


On  the  festival  or  St.  yOJIN  tHE  EFANGELIST :  roa  th« 
PURPOSE  OF  CHARITY. 


Remote  from  thofe  contefts  and 
revolutions  which  make  Europe  one  vaft 
aceldama^  we,  my  brethren,  have  opportu- 
nity, in  thefe  happy  retreats  of  liberty  and 
peace,  to  unite  in  thofe  mild  plans  whofe 
.«noftentatJous  objeft  is  charity,  and  whofe 
humble  efFed  is  individual  and  focial  benefit. 
And  we  now  alTemble  to  celebrate  the  fefli- 
val  of  "  tU  d'lfciple  -whom  JESUS  loved  *'— 
HOLY  SAINT  y OH N^  the  patron  of  our  order ; 
with  the  more  exprefs  purpofe  of  calling  into 
exeircife  the  'virtues  which  JESUS  loved ;  be- 
^NEVOLENCE  AND  CHARITY  ;  the  diftinguifhino" 
'chara'deriftics  of  the  liiafonic  inftitution. 

Were   there    nothing   congenial    in   the 
fentiments  of  the  liberal,  were  there  noth- 


72  On  the  tharltahle  purpofe: 

ing  afTimllating  in  the  tempers  of  the  be- 
nevolent, that  mind  muft  furely  be  warped 
from  every  generous  impulfe  of  humanity, 
which  is  not  gladdened  at  the  fair  occafipn 
the  prefent  offers  of  congratulating  the 
progrefs  of  a  fociety  formed  with  the  exprefs 
defign  of  leffening  the  aggregate  of  human 
mifery  and  increaling  the  fum  of  human 
happinefs. 

This  is  your  folemn,  yet  joyous  feftival, 
my  brethren.  Not  the  feaft  in  which  appe- 
tite is  pampered  or  fenfuality  indulged ;  but 
where  the  moral  tafte  is  gratified,  and  the 
bowels  of  mercy  refreihed :  the  feaft  to 
which  the  poor  and  the  afilidled  are  invited, 
that  their  wants  may  be  fupplied  and  their 
hearts  comforted. 

So  well  am  I  affured  of  your  readinefs  to 
every  good  work  of  hofpitality  and  benefi- 
cence, that  I  have  little  elfe  to  do  than  to 
aflift  your  kind  offices  and  fecond  your  en- 
deavors. In  my  prefent  addrefs,  I  pretend 
not  to  inftruft  you  in  a  duty  already  familiar 
and  in  happy  operation  \  but  fhall  only  take 
the  liberty  of  *'  ftirring  up  your  pure  minds 
by  way  of  remembrance,'*  and  of  pointing 


of  free  Mafonry,  7^ 

out  thofe  channels  in  which  your  bounty 
will  flow  with  the  moft  certain  advantage 
and  permanent  efFeft.  As  a  text  to  my  dif- 
courfe,  (if  it  be  not  too  late  to  introduce 
one,)  I  would  ufe  thofe  words  inferted  in  thfe 
35thverfe  of  the  xxvth  chapter  of  LEVITI- 
CUS. 

— «  If  TffT  BROTHER  BE  WAXEN  POOR  AND 
FALLEN  INTO  DEC  AT  WITH  THEE,  THOU  SHALT 
RELIEVE  HIM  ;  YEA  THOUGH  HE  BE  A  STRANGER 
OR  SOJOURNER^  THAT  HE  MAY  LIFE  WITH 
THEE." 

This  is  the  admirable  injunftion  of  the 
jewifh  legiflator.  He  had  been  flating  the 
law  for  the  inftitution  of  the  jubilee,  or  year 
of  liberty.  This  was  to  take  place  every 
fiftieth  year.  It  was  a  feafon  of  national 
reft,  feftivity  and  joy.  Care  ceafed  and 
labor  was  fufpended.  The  ground  remained 
untilled,  and  whatever  it  fpontaneoufly  pro- 
duced belonged  to  the  poor  and  needy. 
Slaves  were  manumitted,  captives  releafed, 
and  prifoners  fet  free.  All  debts  were  can- 
celled, all  controverfies  adjufted,  all  law-fuits 
terminated.  Mortgaged  and  alienated  eftates 
reverted  back  to  their  original  owners  j  for 


74  On  the  charitable  purpofes 

thefe  were  fo  entailed  that  the  right  heir 
could  never  be  wholly  excluded  from  his 
patrimony.  This  law  was  intended  to  pre- 
ferve  a  perfect  diftindion  of  tribes  and  fami- 
lies ;  to  fix  the  Jews  in  Canaan,  and  attach 
them  to  the  country ;  to  cut  off  the  means 
and  fupprefs  the  greedinefs  of  heaping  up 
wealth  ;  to  prevent  the  rich  from  opprefling 
the  poor  ;  and  to  preferve,  as  much  as  pofli- 
ble,  the  equality  of  their  fortunes  apd  con- 
dition.* 

But  to  guard  agalnft  the  uneafmefs  fuch  a 
liquidation  of  debt  and  reverfion  of  property 
might  occafion ;  or  rather,  to  prevent  any 
from  the  neceflity  of  incumbering  or  alienat- 
ing their  eftates  to  get  a  livelihood  ;  it  was 
made  a  folemn  requifition  that  the  more 
fortunate  and  opulent  ftiould  exercife  the 
utmoft  charity  and  compaffion  to  their 
brethren  under  decay  j  contribute  to  their 
relief  by  every  means  in  their  power ;  and 

-  *  Fov  this  end  their  genealogical  records,  were,  of  necefiity,  to  L.e 
carefully  kept,  that  they  might  be  able  to  prove  their  right  to  the 
•  inheritance  of  their  anceflors.  By  this  mean,  in  after  times,  the 
family  of  the  Mefliah  was  readily  and  fully  afcertained,  to  be,  as 
the  prophets  had  foretold,  "  of  the  tribe  of  Judah  and  lineage  of 
I>avi4.',!. 

Ci;tiEUS,  dc  Repub.  Hihr.  lib.  X.  C.  3. 


of  "Free  Mafonry,  y^ 

lend  them  money,  if  they  delired  it,  to  be 
repaid  as  they  could  make  it  moft  conve- 
nient, and  without  demanding  any  thing  for 
its  ufe.  They  were  bidden  to  extend  their 
afliftance  even  \.o  fir  angers  and  fojourners^  as 
well  as  neighbors  and  fellow  citizens  :  for 
the  exercife  of  benevolence  ftiould  not  be 
confined  to  kindred  nor  limited  to  place  ; 
every  human  being  who  needs,  has  a  claini 
to  its  regards.* 

Some  of  the  beforementioned  regulations, 
to  be  fure,  were  peculiarly  accommodated  to 
the  jewifh  commonwealth,  and  are  not  ap- 
plicable to  any  other  condition  of  civil  foci- 
ety  :  but  the  difinterefted  and  generous  prin- 
ciples on  which  they  are  founded  belong  to 

THE   PERPETUAL  CODE  OF  HUMANITY. 

Although  an  equalization  of  property 
and  a  community  of  goods  was  attempted 
among  the  firft  chriftian  converts,!  yet  it  is 

*  <'  Charity  is  a  complete  and  confident  thing.  It  is  not  zfegment 
but  a  circle.  Its  aflfcdlions  ftrcam  from  God,  as  their  centre ;  all 
mankind  compofc  their  circumference  :  they  go  forth,  not  only  in 
one,  but  in  all  diredtions  towards  the  production  of  others  good." 

FAWCKTTi 

•  t  •Ails  ii.  44,  45  ;  and  iv,  32. 


■  f6  On  the  charitable  furpofes 

evident  that  it  was  not  intended  that  the 
^nrcumftances  of  mankind  in  after  ages 
fiiould  thus  be  adjufted.  Special  reafons 
made  it  expedient  then,  ^lich  would  never 
©Operate  again. 

In  faft,  a  perfect  equality  of  ftation  and 
poirefllon,  however  plealing  in  theory,  is  not 
reducible  to  pradicc.  Mankind  are  too 
corrupt  and  felfifli  for  fuch  a  condition  to 
continue  long,  were  it  once  introduced. 
The  flrong  would  foon  take  advantage  of 
H:he  -weak,  and  filch  by  power  a  larger  lliare 
from  the  common  ftock.  Cupidity  would 
itccumukte,  and  avarice  prevent  ditfufion. 
And,  while  the  induftrious  increafed  their 
property,  the  indolent  would  become  poor. 

But  even  were  this  equalization  poflible, 
it  would  not  "be  delirable :  for  it  would  be 
incompatible  with  improvement  and  un- 
favorable to  virtue.  There  would  he  no 
ftimulus  to  mental  application,  and  no  ufe 
for  intellectual  improvement.  Induftry  and 
indolence  would  have  the  fame  fuccefs. 
Merit  would  fail  of  promotion  ;  and  perfor- 
mance,  of  reward.     The  chain   of  mutual 


of  Free  Mafonr)',  77 

dependence,  which  renders  us  according  to 
the  exprelTion  of  St.  Peter,  "  fubjccl  one  to 
another,"  would  be  broken.  There  would 
be  no  room  for  a  reciprocity  of  kindnefles, 
no  opportunity  for  the  beftowment  of 
charity,  and  nothing  to  call  into  exercife 
thofe  benevolent  affections  and  tender  fym- 
pathies  which  are  the  ornament  of  our 
fpecies  and  the  prolific  caufes  of  individual 
and  fecial  happinefs. 

Instead,  therefore,  of  making  any  vain 
attempt  to  bring  the  conditions  of  mankind 
to  a  common  flandard  ;  or  indulging  any 
idle  wifhes  that  they  were  more  upon  a 
level ;  it  is  much  more  expedient,  com- 
mendable, and  proper,  that  the  rich  and 
the  poor,  by  a  mutual  interchange  of  good 
ofliccs,  (hould  contribute  to  each  other's 
accommodation  and  comfort ;  that  the  abun- 
dance of  the  one  Ihould  be  freely  and  gen- 
eroully  beftowed  to  fupply  the  wants  of  the 
other  J  and  that  thus,  as  Saint  Paul  enjoins, 
*'  there  may  be  in  fome  fort  an  equality."* 

Have  ive  been  fortunate  in  the  labors  of 
induftry,  or  fuccefsful  in  the  enterprizes  of 

•  2  Cor.  viiL  14. 


yS  On  the  charitable  purpofes 

bullnefs  ;  have  our  ftores  been  increafed  by 
the  fucceffive  feafons  of  productive  years  ; 
have  our  riches  been  rolled  in  with  the  pro- 
pitious tide,  or  wafted  home  by  the  favoring 
gale  ?  This  is  under  the  aufpices  of  heaven. 
"  Not  our  hand,  nor  our  might  hath  gotten 
us  this  wealth."  It  is  beftowed  by  a  blcfling 
we  did  not  deferve,  and  fecured  from  contin- 
gencies we  could  not  control  ;  that  in  its  ufe 
we  might  be  happy,  and  make  others  fo  too. 
It  is  conferred  on  us  by  the  fupreme  Propri- 
etor, not  to  fupport  our  indolence  or  pamper 
our  luxury,  not  to  be  hoarded  by  our  ava- 
rice, or  fquandered  by  our  profligacy  ;  but 
that  we  might  be  made  "  ftewards  of  the 
manifold  grace  of  God,**  and  almoners  of 
his  bounty  to  the  poor. 

But,  as  it  cannot  be  expe<5led,  that,  while 
the  claims  are  fo  repeated  and  the  claimants 
fo  numerous,  even  the  beft  difpofed  and 
moft  liberal  individual  can  fatisfy  all  their 
wants  ;  it  has  been  found  advifable  to  form 
an  affociation,  which,  uniting  the  means  of 
the  provident  and  the  bountiful,  might  col- 
led their  contributions  and  their  "  alms  into 
a  ftore  houfe"  of  fupplies  for  numbers.    And 


of  Free  Mafonry.  79 

this,  my  hearers,  is  one  main  defign  of  the 
fociety  whofc  anniverfary  feftival  makes  this 
day  the  jubilee  of  humanity. 

Though  the  manner  and  the  meafure  of  ^ 
our  charity  be  a  profound  fecret,  yet  it  is  \ 
generally  known  that  our  inftitution  eftab- 
lifhes  a  fund  for  charity,  and  provides 
refources  for  the  unfortunate  ;  and  that  it 
fuperadds  to  the  common  law  of  our  nature 
and  the  exprefs  injundions  of  religion  anoth- 
er reafon  for  the  exercife  of  benevolence,  and 
another  motive  to  the  beftowment  of  gene- 
rolity.  And  you,  my  brethren,  have  often 
felt  with  what  engaging  and  perfualive  em- 
phafis  the  importance  of  brotherlt  love^ 
RELIEF^  AND  TRUTH ^  are  inculcatcd  in  our  lec- 
tures. The  firft  renders  us  affe^ionatc,  the 
iQCOiid  generous,  the  thiidjujl.  To  brotherly 
kindnefs  is  added  charity  ;  and  both  are 
crowned  with  fidelity,  and  fecured  with 
juftice. 

Our  excellent  book  of  constitutions  har> 
afferted,*  what  I  am  fure  your  own  hearts 
witnefs,  that,  "  to  afford  fuccor  to  the  dif- 
treffed,  to  divide  our  bread  with  the  indullri- 

•  Chapter  i.  Sedlion  3. 


$o  On  the  charitable  purpofes 

ous  poor,  and  to  put  the  mifguided  traveller 
into  the  way,  are  duties  of  the  craft,  fuitable 
to  its  dignity  and  exprcffive  of  its  ufefulnefs. 
But,  though  a  Mafon  is  never  to  Ihut  his  ear 
unkindly  againft  the  complaints  of  any  of 
the  human  race,  yet,  when  a  brother  is  op- 
preffed  or  fuffers,  he  is  in  a  more  peculiar 
manner  called  upon  to  open  his  whole  foul 
in  love  and  compailion  to  him,  and  to  re- 
lieve him,  without  prejudice,  according  to 
his  capacity." 

The  prefent  occafion,  which  reminds  you 
of  the  benevolent  purpofes  of  our  affociation, 
prompts  you  to  inquire  if  any  brother  be  wax^ 
en  poor  through  misfortune,  or  fallen  into  decay 
through  iicknefs,  that  you  may  repair  his 
loiTes  or  relieve  his  diftrefs  ?  If  any  Jiranger 
orfojourner  from  a  foreign  land  need  the  wel- 
come of  your  hofpitality  or  the  afliftance  of 
your  bounty,  that  he  may  live  with  you  ?  If  the 
defolate  widow  of  fome  deceafed  member  be 
in  neceflitous  circumftances,  or  his  helplefs 
orphans  require  protcdion  or  maintenance  ? 
Thefe  are  the  tender  inquiries  of  the  day. 
Here  are  the  -channels  opened  for  the  cur- 
rent of  your  affedtion,  and  the  beilowment 


of  Free  Mafonry,  8i 

of  your  charity.  Here  your  compaflion 
may  operate  without  reftraint,  and  your 
-  benefactions  be  applied  in  the  worthieft  man- 
ner. You  may  have  the  pleafing  reflection 
that  you  fupply  the  neceflities  of  thofe  who 
are  allied  to  you  by  the  moft  endearing  ties, 
and  difcharge  one  of  the  characteriftic  duties 
of  the  mafonic  inflitution. 

Wherefore,  my  brethren,  do  you  carry^ 
corn,  ivine,  and  oil  in  your  proceflions,  but  to 
remind  you,  that,  in  the  pilgrimage  of  hu- 
man life  you  are  to  impart  a  portion  of  your 
bread  to  feed  the  hungry,  to  fend  a  cup  of 
your  wine  to  cheer  the  forrowful,  and  to 
pour  the  healing  oil  of  your  confolation  into 
the  wounds  which  ficknefs  hath  made  in  the 
bodies  or  afflidion  rent  in  the  hearts  of  your 
fellow  travellers  ? 

Hasten,  then,  to  perform  thefe  affeClionate 
fervices  ;  and  "  thus  fulfil  the  whole  law  of 
love  !'*  "  The  bleffing  of  thofe  who  are  ready 
to  perifh  will  come  upon  you,"  accompanied 
with  the  approbation  and  followed  by  the 
reward  of  the  divine  philanthropist. 
^'  Then,  in  that  awful  day,  when  the  fecrets 

F 


82  On  the  charitable  purpofes,  '<5fc, 

of  all  hearts  fliall  be  difclofed,  the  gazing 
multitude  who  have  curioufly  inquired  our 
fecret  fhall  be  aftonilhed  to  know  that  the 
greateji  deep  of  Mafonic  fecrecy  was  rHE  unj'ub- 
LisHED  ACT  OF  DOING  GOOD  !"*  The  memorials 
of  your  beneficence  will  prove  your  paffport 
to  the  blifsful  feats  of  eternity  !  You  will  be 
received  to  that  glorious  fociety  where  there 
will  be  no  neceflitous  objects  to  excite  com- 
panion J  but  where  your  bounty  to  fuch  on 
earth  will  meet  a  liberal  recompence,  and 
the  divine  principle  of  charity  forever  re- 
main a  facred  band  to  unite  us  to  one  anoth- 
er and  to  THE  God  of  love  who  is  the 
fpring  of  immortal  joy  ! 

♦  Rev.  Jethro  Inwood's  Sermons,  p.  247. 


DISCOURSE  V. 


FREE  MASONRT  GLORIFIED. 


DISCOURSE  V. 


Before  a  CHAPTER  of  ROTAL-ABCH  MASONS. 


He  that  hath  an  ear  to  hear^  let  him 
HEAR^  what  the  great  high  Prieji  of  our  profef- 
Jion  hath  promifed, 

REVELATIONS  ii.  17, 

TO  HIM  THAT  OVERCOMETH  WILL  I  GIVE  TO  EAT 
OF  THE  HIDDEN  MANNA,  AND  I  WILL  GIVE  HIM 
A  WHITE  STONE,  AND  IN  THE  STONE  A  NEW 
NAME,  WRITTEN  WHICH  NO  MAN  KNOWETH 
SAVING  HE  THAT  RECEIVETH  IT. 

1  HIS  fublime  promife  has  a  peculiar 
fignificance  to  thofe  who  have  been  admitted 
within  the  vail  of  the  mafonic  temple. 

With  that  caution  which  becomes  me  in 
addrelling  a  mixed  audience,  I  will  take  the 
liberty  of  explaining  the  paflage,  for  the  pur* 
pofe  of  pointing  out  thofe  motives  which 

F3 


S6  Free  Mafonry  glorified, 

it  fuggefts  to  a  patient  perfeverance  in  the 
ways  of  well  doing. 

Though  this  chapter  of  the  Apocalypfe, 
and  the  one  preceding,  be  particularly  ad- 
dreffed  to  the  churches  of  Afia,  yet  the 
threatenings  and  the  promifes  they  contain 
are  introduced  with  a  folemnity  which  be- 
fpeaks  them  intended  for  the  caution  and 
encouragement  of  chriftians  in  general  in  all 
fucceeding  ages,  fo  long  as  the  vices  they 
reprove  and  the  virtues  they  commend 
fliall  be  found  in  the  world. 

*'Eye  hath  not  feen,  nor  ear  heard, 
neither  have  entered  into  the  heart  of  man, 
the  things  which  God  hath  prepared  for 
them  that  love  him.  But  God  hath  re- 
vealed them  unto  us  by  his  fpirit :  for  the 
fpirit  fearcheth  all  things,  yea  the  deep 
things  of  God.'**  Thefe  inconceivable  glo- 
ries are  defcribed  to  us  in  a  way  conform- 
able to  our  narrow  intelledls.  Were  fpirit- 
nal  and  heavenly  joys  reprefented  as  they 
really  are,  and  defined  by  their  own  proper 
names  and  qualities,  we  Ihould  be  utterly 

•  I  Co;-,  ii.  9.  I  a 


Free  Mafonry  glorifed,  87 

unable  to  comprehend  them,  and  therefore 
very  incompetent  judges  of  their  value.  In 
condefcenlion,  therefore,  to  our  limited  fac- 
ulties, fuch  metaphors  are  ufed  in  the  holy 
fcriptures  in  revealing  to  us  "  the  hidden 
myfteries"  of  the  future  life,  as  are  within 
the  comprehenlion  of  the  human  mind,  and, 
in  fome  fort,  accommodated  to  the  feelings 
and  wifhes  of  the  human  heart.  Among 
thefe  is  the  promife  of  our  text,  which  I  Ihall 
now  proceed  to  explain. 

Without  quoting  the  various  conje(5lures 
of  commentators  and  critics  into  its  mean- 
ing, all  of  which  I  fhall  take  the  liberty  to 
rejedl  as  contradictory  or  inapplicable  ;  I 
Ihall  at  once  ftate  what  I  conceive  to  be  the 
import  of  the  paffage. 

I.  The  firft  part  of  the  promife  has  un- 
doubtedly a  reference  to  that  miraculous 
proviiion  made  for  the  children  of  Ifrael  in 
the  wildernefs  by  the  immediate  hand  of 
God.  The  "  hidden  manna"  alludes  to  that 
fample  of  this  bread  which  was  laid  up  before 
the  Lord  in  the  ark  of  the  covenant  :*  and 
by  it  is  intended  "  that  meat  which  enduretli 

*  Coiupare  £xod.  xvi.  33.     Hcb.  ix.  4. 


8S  Free  Mafonry  glorified, 

unto  cverlafting  life,**  that  fpiritual  food 
with  which  the  foul  fliall  be  amply  fupplied 
in  the  heavenly  ftate,  where  all  its  refined 
defires  ihall  be  fully  gratified. 

"  Lord  evermore  give  us  this  bread  !" 
When  the  laborers  fliall  be  called  from  work 
to  refreshment,  and  the  Grand  Mafter  (hall 
clofe  the  earthly  lodge  to  open  upon  the  firft 
ftep  of  eternity,  may  we  be  admitted  to  the 
privilege  and  raifed  to  the  honor  of  eating 
and  drinking  with  him  at  his  table  ;*  and 
be  abundantly  fatisfied  with  the  goodnefs  of 
his  houfe,  even  of  his  holy  temple  If 

II.  The  other  claufe  of  the  verfe  we  are 
confidering  relates  to  a  particular  cuftom 
among  the  antients  with  which  they  com- 
menced and  perpetuated  a  refined  friendftiip. 
For  this  purpofe  the  contrading  parties  took 
a  fmall  piece  of  bone,  ivory  or  ftone,  and 
dividing  it  into  equal  and  fimilar  parts,  one 
of  the  perfons  wrote  his  name  upon  one 
of  thefe,  and  his  friend  upon  the  other  ; 
and  they  made  a  mutual  exchange.  This 
little  ticket,  or  "  keep-fake,**  was  retained  as 
a  facred  pledge  and  remembrancer  of  an 

♦  Luke  xsii.  30.  t  Pfal-  ^^'  4- 


free  Mafonry  glorified*  8^ 

attachment  the  moft  facred  and  inviolable, 
entire  and  permanent,  that  could  be  formed. 
Including  the  word,  Jign,  and  token  of  an  en- 
deared fraternity,  it  was  the  mean  of  afcer- 
taining  the  objed  of  the  heart's  affedions 
after  many  years  abfence,  and  of  fecuring  for 
him  a  welcome  to  the  privileges  and  a  ftiare 
in  the  endearments  of  hofpitality  and  love. 
Of  courfe  the  token  was  carefully  preferved. 
Though,  in  itfelf  confidered,  of  fmalleft 
worth  ;  yet,  as  the  memorial  of  a  highly 
efteemed  friend,  as  it  renewed  thofe  kind 
emotions  of  which  he  was  the  object,  and 
called  up  a  hiftory  on  which  the  heart  de- 
lighted to  dwell,  its  value  became  ineftimable. 
And  left  fome  one  elfe  fhould  take  the  ad- 
vantage of  it,  the  pofTelTor  kept  it  with  great 
privacy,  and  cautioufly  concealed  from  every 
one  the  name  or  mark  engraved  upon  it. 

Supposing  our  text  to  relate  to  this  cuf- 
tom  ;  what  a  delightful  train  of  ideas  does  it 
fuggeft  1 

In  2ifpiritual  fenfe,  the  promife  is  to  this 
effecl:,  that  the  man  of  thiumfhant  virtue 

SHALL  BE  REWARDED  BT  THE  FAFOR  AND  FRIEND^r 


9©  free  Mafonry  glorified. 

SHIP    OF  HIS   DIVINE   REDEEMER.       ThlS    truly 

plealing  aflurance  is  alfo  given  or  implied  in 
feveral  other  paiTages  of  the  New  Teftament, 
"  not  in  the  language  of  mere  affirmation 
only,  but  in  a  great  variety  of  figurative, 
animated  expreffions,  fo  as  to  convey  to  the 
imagination  as  well  as  to  the  reafon  and 
judgment,  the  livelieft  and  deepeft  impref- 
fions  of  its  truth  and  import."*  Here  we 
perceive  the  affedions  of  the  heart  directed 
to  the  fcene  of  their  nobleft  exercife  ;  and 
the  virtues  of  the  chriftian  character  ripening 
for  a  fphere  of  exalted  blifs.  And  here  we 
are  alTured  that  in  another  and  better  world 
the  true  follower  of  Jefus  ftiall  be  admitted 
to  a  friendfliip^  the  pledges  and  the  privi- 
leges, the  fatisfactions  and  the  glories  of 
which,  can  be  felt,  underftood,  and  realized 
only  by  the  honored  and  highly  favored  receiver. 

To  ufe  the  words  of  Dodor  Toung,  on  a 
fimilar  fubjed  :  "  Is  not  this  almoft  too 
much  for  human  modefty  to  mention,  for 
human  frailty  to  credit  ;  and  oh  !  is  it  not 
far  too  much  for  human  gratitude  to  leave 

*  Confult  John  xv.  i,  2.     xxii.  30.     Roni:  viii.  29.     a  Cor.  iiu 
xS.     xii.  17.     Rev.  iii.  ao.     xix.  9. 


Free  Mafonry  glorified,  91 

unproclaimed,  unadored !  O  bleffed  revela- 
tion that  opens  fuch  wonders  !'*  What  en- 
couragement and  hope  are  here !  Who  would 
exchange  the  frame  of  mind  which  even  the 
bare  anticipation  of  fuch  happinefs  produces, 
if  nature  could  fupport  it,  for  any  other  ? 
Who  is  there  that  would  not  wifti  to  be  of 
the  number  thus  diftinguilhed  ?  Who  but 
would  be  glad  to  have  his  fidelity  thus  ac- 
knowledged, his  virtue  thus  rewarded,  his 
eternal  interfts  thus  fecured  ?  What  joy  will 
tranfport  thy  heart,  christian^  at  this  pleaf- 
ing  tranfaction  !  How  will  the  fons  of  God 
congratulate  thee  upon  this  mofl  honorable 
teftimony  to  thy  integrity  and  fidelity  1 
How  will  thy  fellow  faints  rejoice  with  thee 
in  mutually  fharing  the  commendation  and 
friendfliip  of  the  beft  of  beings  ! 

In  this  view,  how  great,  how  excellent,  is 
the  chriftian  profeflion  ;  how  high  and  dig- 
nifying the  work  of  life !  What  can  be  a  no- 
bler object  of  purfuit  than  the  friendfhip  of 
Jefus  !  What  more  worthy  method  of  pur- 
fuing  it  than  by  ftedfaftnefs  and  perfeverance 
in  the  ways  of  well  doing  ! 


ga  Free  Mafonry  glorified* 

The  mutual  operations  of  fincere  and  vir» 
tuous  afFedion,  even  in  this  world,  though 
often  weak  and  intermitting,  are  accompan* 
ied  with  fo  much  fatisfaftion,  that,  next  to 
the  confcioufnefs  of  doing  well,  aflurance  of 
the  divine  approbation,  and  the  hope  of 
heaven,  it  is  the  greateft  enjoyment  we 
have.  But,  fweet  and  endearing  as  it  may 
prove,  it  partakes  fo  much  of  human  imper- 
fe£tion,  is  fo  liable  to  interruption,  and  may 
fo  foon  be  fufpended  by  death,  that  we  can- 
not reft  in  any  earthly  connection,  as  com- 
pletely fatisfying,  undifturbed,  or  fecure. 
But  the  heavenly  union  has  none  of  this 
allay,  none  of  this  uncertainty  ;  it  is  perfecl, 
indiffoluble.  "  The  joy  hereafter  to  be  re- 
vealed** is  fubftantial  and  lincere  ;  large  as 
the  capacities  of  our  immortal  fouls,  and  laft- 
ing  as  the  duration  of  eternity  ! 

If  there  be  fuch  a  ftate  of  future  happinefs 
as  we  have  been  defcribing,  fuch  a  fublime 
connexion  with  all  that  is  pcrfe6l  and  great 
in  the  univerfe,  there  is  nothing  wortb  a 
lingle  thought  compared  with  making  provi- 
so n  for  it.  Highly  necelTary  is  it  to  begin 
to  be  that  which  we  hope  to  be  forever,  and 


Tree  Mafonry  glorified.  53 

to  enter  upon  that  way  of  living  in  which 
we  hope  to  live  to  all  eternity.  "  Every 
man  who  hath  this  hope  purifieth  himfelf  as 
Chrift  the  Lord  is  pure." 

Assured  that  he  acknowledges  thofe  only 
as  his  friends  who  do  whatfoever  he  com- 
mandeth  ;*  {hould  we  not  be  ready  to  yield 
a  conftant  obedience  to  all  his  requirements, 
"  and  follow  all  his  will  ?"  Knowing  that 
"  the  fecret  of  the  Lord  is  with  them  that 
ferve  him  ;"t  fliould  we  not  now  cultivate 
the  favor,  and  fecure  an  intereft  in  the  love 
of  that  Being,  whofe  future  friendfliip  is  the 
ambition  of  our  fouls,  "  the  prize  of  our 
high  calling  ?"  How  ought  we  to  maintain, 
in  the  whole  of  our  deportment,  that  purity 
and  dignity  which  become  an  expectation  fo 
noble  !  How  delirous  fhould  we  be  of  a 
nearer  aiUmilation  with  our  exalted  friend, 
remembering  that  "  he  who  is  joined  with 
the  Lord  is  of  one  fpirit."| 

May  God  teach  us  more  of  that  hidden 
wifdom   which   they   only   know   who   are 

*Joh.  XT.  14.  I  Pfal.  XXV.  14. 

i  I  Cor.  v\.  17. 


94  ^^se  Mafonry  glorified. 

truly  initiated  into  real  chriftianity  !  "  that 
our  hearts  might  be  comforted,  being  knit 
together  in  love,  and  unto  all  riches  of  the 
full  alTurance  of  underftanding,  to  the  acknow- 
ledgment of  the  myftery  of  God  the  father, 
and  of  Chrifl,  in  whom  are  hid  all  the  treaf- 
tares  of  wifdom  and  knowledge."* 

To  you,  my  beloved  and  venerable  com- 
panions, who  are  acquainted  with  the  mean- 
ing and  ufes  of  the  diftinguiftiing  fymbol  of 
the  MASTER  MARK  MASON;  the  explanation  of 
this  paflage  and  the  antient  cuftom  to  which 
it  alludes,  will  be  very  inftrudive  and  encour- 
aging. 

"  Mark  Majiers  all  appear 
Before  the  chief  O'erfeer  ; 

View  there  thejlone^ 
On  which  appears  the  name 
That  raifes  high  the  fame 
Of  all  to  whom  the  fame 

Is  truly  knoivn  !'* 

The  ftone  which  bears  "  the  myftic  word" 
is  legible  only  by  thofe  who  have  been 
taught  the  interpretation  :  by  others  it  is 

*  Colofs.  ii,  2,  3i 


Free   Mafonry  glorified*  95 

rejected  as  inlignificant,  or  confidered  as  "  a 
ftone  of  ftumbling  and  a  rock  of  offence." 

Though,  therefore,  you  fay  to  the  inquifi- 
tive,  as  the  angel  to  Manoah,  "  Why  alkefl 
thou  after  my  name,  feeing  it  is  fecret  ?"  to 
you  it  is  known  as  the  fymbol  of  your  ex- 
pected reward.  You  learn  the  honor  of 
having  "  your  names  written  in  heaven."* 
You  indulge  the  cheering  hope,  that,  though 
diftance  divide  or  death  interrupt  the  union 
of  virtuous  minds,  it  will  be  renewed  in  a 
more  improved  form  when  you  fliall  meet 
again  in  the  most  holy  place,  and  be  co?n- 
panions  forever. 

Often  let  us  think  of  that  glorious  fociety 
amongft  whom  we  are  enrolled  as  members ; 
rejoice  in  the  privileges  and  honors  which 
refult  from  fuch  a  relation  to  it ;  and  afpire 
to  the  dignity  and  felicity  promifed  to  thofe 
who  Ihall  feaft  upon  "  the  heavenly  manna," 
and  be  "  called  by  the  new  name  which  the 
mouth  of  the  Lord  Ihall  name  !"t  Then 
Ihall  we  not  only  "  have  fellowlhip  with  one 

*  Luk€  X.  2a  t  Ifai.  Ixii.  %. 


c)6  Free  Mafonry  glorijied^ 

another,"  but  "  our  fellowftiip  will  be  with 
the  Father,  i.vA  with  his  Son  Jefus  Chrift."* 

Let  the  hopes  of  meeting  with  this  great 
reward,  animate  us  in  all  our  toils  and  labors 
through  the  wearifome  pilgrimage  of  this 
life,  and  encourage  us  in  the  practice  of 
thofe  duties  and  to  the  acquirement  of  thofe 
virtues  that  may  render  us  meet  to  be  par- 
takers of  it.  Let  us  rife  from  the  love  of 
man  to  the  love  of  God  :  and  let  us  fo  culti- 
vate human  friendfhip  as  at  length  to  be-* 
come  worthy  of  the  divine  !        ' 

•  I  Joh.  i.  37. 


uii^Mj.  ■■Tj3HL-rj.»^-ai^M 


DISCOURSE  VI. 

MASONIC  EMBLEMS  EXPLAINED. 


DISCOURSE  VI. 


I>ZMVERED     BEFORI    THE    OFFICERS    AND  MEMBERS     OF    KING 

SOLOMON'S  LODGE  in  Charlestown,  June  24,  1796, 

BEING  THE  FESTIVAL  OF  ST,    JOHN  THZ  BaPTIST. 


MATTHEW  X.  i6. 

BEHOLD  I  SEND  YOU  FORTH  AS  SHEEP  AMONG 
WOLVES:  BE  YE  THEREFORE  iVISE  AS  SERPENTS 
AND  HARMLESS  AS  DOVES. 

IN  thefe  words  our  Saviour  addreffed 
his  apoftles,  w^hom  he  fent  forth  into  the 
world  to  teach  and  to  recommend  his  relig- 
ion by  their  inftru(5lion  and  example.  At 
the  fame  time  he  very  frankly  warned  them 
of  the  dangers  to  which  they  would  be  ex- 
pofed,  and  counfelled  them  how  to  condud 
fo  as  to  fliun,  or  to  bear,  the  oppofition  they 
muft  expect.  Making  a  ftrong  and  expref- 
five  allulion  to  the  known  qualities  of  fome 
of  the  inferior  animals,  he  bid  them  take  a 
hint  of  the  expediency  of  patience  from  the 


loo  Mafonic  emblems  explained, 

flieep,  a  leflbn  of  wifdom  from  the  ferpent,  a 
recommendation  of  harmlefsnefs  from  the 
dove.  Such  allufions  to  fenfible  objects  was 
one  of  the  earlieft,  the  eaiieft,  and  moft  en- 
gaging methods  of  inftruding  mankind  in 
moral  and  divine  truths.  Affembling  ima- 
ges from  nature,  it  fpeaks  to  the  underftand- 
ing  by  the  fenfes.  Thefe  pleafmg  illuftra- 
tions  lead  us,  by  an  eafy  procefs,  to  form  the 
moft  important,  and  often  times  the  moft 
fublime  ideas,  from  things  moft  familiar  and 
intelligible.  Hence  the  loftinefs  of  ftyle  and 
fentiment,  the  rich  imagery,  the  animated 
defcription,  the  enchanting  grace,  which  per- 
vade and  embellifh  all  the  productions  of  the 
Eaft.  And  hence  the  admirable  tiffue  of  al- 
legory and  metaphor  with  which  they  deco- 
rated wifdom  and  virtue.  This  method  of 
imparting  the  moft  fage  and  falutary  leflbns 
was,  by  our  Lord,  repeatedly  ufed  with  the 
happieft  efficacy.  Our  text  is  a  pleafing  in- 
ftance.  The  purport  of  the  advice  it  con- 
tains is,  that  his  difciples  fliould  ad  with 
prudence,  caution,  and  mildnefs  5  and  exhib- 
it fuch  traits  of  inoffenlivenefs,  wifdom,  and 
innocence,  as  to  give  no  occafion  for  any 
thing  to  be  alledged  againft  them  or  their 


Mafonic  emblems  explained,  loi 

doftrine,  nor  any  handle  for  their  being  ill 
ufed.  Thefe  admonitions,  my  hearers,  are 
ftill  important  and  falutary.  No  individual 
perfon,  nor  any  body  of  men,  can  be  beyond 
the  neceffity  of  their  fervice.  And  there  is 
fcarcely  a  day  but  calls  for  their  exercife  and 
difplays  their  utility.  Let  me  alTure  myfelf, 
then,  that  this  large  and  refpeftable  affembly 
will  not  be  difpleafed  if  I  dwell,  a  little,  up- 
on the  important  qualities  enjoined  and  rec- 
ommended in  our  text  :  while  my  beloved 
brethren  of  the  free  mason  society  ac- 
knowledge my  obedience  to  their  commif- 
fion,  in  my  public  defence  and  illuftration  of 
their  primary  and  favorite  principles. 

Since  he  who  is  "  the  Mighty  Counfellor" 
hath  thought  fit  to  fet  forth  this  inftrudion, 
to  which  I  would  lead  you,  under  the  ex- 
preflive  emblems  of  the  sheep,  the  serpent 
and  the  dove,  it  may  be  very  proper  for  us 
to  obferve  wliat  there  is  in  thefe  animals 
that  affords  matter  for  our  imitation  with 
reference  to  our  conduding  of  ourfelves  in 
the  world. 

I.  From  iht  Jheep  we  may  learn  patience 
and  SILENCE.     Thefe  are,  on  many  occafions, 

G  2 


102  Mafonic  emblems  etcplalned. 

very  becoming,  difcreet,  and  laudable ,  but 
pre-eminently  requilite  in  lituations  expofed 
to  difingenuous  oppofition  or  taunting  re- 
proach. In  fuch  circumftances  the  bleffed 
Saviour  gave  thefe  qualities  the  exprellive 
recommendation  of  his  own  example.  "  He 
was  led  as  a  lamb  to  the  flaughter  ;  and  as 
a  flieep  before  her  fliearers  is  dumb,  fo  he 
opened  not  his  mouth." 

II.  Our  Lord,  deligning  to  join  wisdom 
and  INNOCENCE  together,  propofes  the  fer- 
pent  for  the  one,  and  the  dove  for  the  other  : 
to  let  his  difciples  know  that  he  allows  them 
io  much  wifdom  as  is  confifterit  Ivith  inno- 
cence, and  perfuades  them  to  no  more  fim- 
plicity  than  is  confiftent  with  wifdom.  A 
reference  is  made  to  the  commendable  qualities 
of  both ;  that  what  was  wanting  in  one 
might  be  fupplied  from  the  other  ;  and  that 
from  their  conjundion  might  refult  a  per- 
itdi.  wifdom  free  from  all  guile,  and  a  well 
guarded  innocence  without  the  leaft  mixture 
of  indifcretion.  This  would  produce  a  char- 
a<^er  at  once  fuperior  to  the  iniquitous  con- 
trivance of  fraud  and  the  yielding  timorouf- 
nefs  of  mental  imbecility  j  too  generous  to 


Mafonic  e?nblems  explained.  1 03 

impofe  upon  others,  and  too  cautious  to  be 
impofed  upon. 

Whatever  Ikill  or  prudence  we  may  pof- 
fefs  feparate  from  inofFenlivenefs,  our  Ikill  is 
dangerous,  and  our  prudence  ineffectual  : 
the  former  may  terminate  in  deftru6live  mif- 
chief,  and  the  latter  degenerate  into  con- 
traded  felfiftinefs.  Wifdom  without  inno- 
cence turns  into  Qraft  and  cunning,  and  lim- 
plicity  without  wifdom  is  mere  folly.*  So 
hazardous,  alfo,  is  our  fituation  amidft  the 
corruptions  of  the  world,  that  even  blame- 
lefsnefs  yields  not  fecurity  :t  it  will  only  ex- 
pofe  us  unlefs  it  be  guarded  by  difcretion. 
The  chriftian  fathers  often  infift  upon  both 
of  thefe,  and  join  them  together.  "  Let  no 
man  impofe  upon  you,  faith  Ignatius,!  and 
fee  that  you  do  not  impofe  upon  any  one.'* 
Jerom  thus  recommends  ;j|  "  have  the  fim- 

*  "  Sciemia,  quae  a  juflitia  et  honeftate  fejundia  efl,  caltditis 
potius  quam  fapientia  eft  appellanda."     Cicero  de  otl^  1.  i. 

"  Prudentia,  abfque  fimplicitate,  malitia  eft  :  ct  limpllcitas, 
abfquc  ratione,  ftultitia  nominatur."     Hieron.    fuper  Ofcam. 

f  "  Parum  tuta  per  feipfa  probitas  eft."     Sallust. 

^  iGXATiuSjCpift.  ad  Ephcs. 

II  "  Habeto  funplicitatem  columbx,  ne  cuiquam  mach.'ncris 
dolos  ;  et  ferpcntis  aftutiam,  nc  aliorum  fupplanteris  inHdiis," 
HiERON.  epift.ad  Pa\iJin. 


104  Mafonic  emblems  explained. 

plicity  of  the  dove,  that  thou  mayeft  not  con- 
trive to  cheat  any  one  ;  and  the  warinefs 
of  the  ferpent  that  thou  mayeft  not  be  fup- 
planted  by   the    fnares  that  others  lay  for 
thee."    Gregory  Nazianzen  faid  of  his  father 
that  "  he  neither  fufFered  the  wifdom  of  the 
ferpent  to  degenerate  into  cunning,  nor  the 
innocence  of  the  dove  into  indifcretion  ;  but 
made  up  one  complete  kind  of  virtue  from 
the  union  of  both  together."*     This  union 
he  afterwards  defcribes  under  the  name  of 
"  goodnefs  combined  with  underftanding  :** 
by  Hilary  it  is  called  "  wife  fimplicity."t     It 
is    this   union   of  wisdom   and   innocence 
which  perfects  the  character  of  man.     It  gives 
him  all  that  commands  refpect  and  conciliates 
efteem  ;  all  that  is  venerable,  and  all  that  is 
lovely.     The  injundion,  then,  may  bear  re- 
peating, that  we  blend  the  wifdom  of  the 
ferpent  without  its  malignity,  with  the  inno- 
cence of  the  dove  without  its  fillinefs.     In 
fliort,  to  defignate   our  wifdom  as  coming 
from  above,  it  muft  be  "  firft  pure,  then  peace- 
able,  gentle,    eafy   to  be  intreated,  full  of 

*  Gregor.  Nazianz.  Orat.  19, 
f  "  Sapiens  flmpUcitas." 


Mafonic  emblems  explained^  105 

mercy  and  good  fruits,   without  partiality 
and  without  hypocrify." 

These  hints  for  the  better  underftanding 
of  the  text  being  premifed,  let  us  proceed  to 
confider  tliefe  things  feparately  ;  that  is  to 
fay,  let  us  inftance  wherein  we  may  lawfully 
imitate  the  wifdom  of  the  ferpent,  or  advan- 
tageoufly  difplay  the  harmleffnefs  of  the 
dove. 

From  remoteft  antiquity  to  the  prefent 
day  the  ferpent  has  been  remarkable  for  a 
peculiar  penetration  and  artfulnefs.*  This 
rendered  him,  unhappily,  a  fit  inftrument, 
under  the  management  of  the  malignant  de- 
ceiver, to  effeftuate  the  fall  of  man.  This 
natural  fagacity  was  not  evil  in  itfelf,  how- 
ever the  abufe  of  it,  by  the  devil's  means, 
was  unfpeakably  evil  and  deftrudive.f 

*  See  fome  remarkable  ftories  of  the  fagacity  of  ferpents,  in  Pti- 
NY,  Nat.  Hift.  1.  vii.  c.  23.  a;. 

t  The  charaAer  which  is  given  of  this  animal  by  the  facred 
hiflorian,  Genefis  3d  chapter,  may  denote  rather  his  gentle,  free, 
and  infinuating  nature,  than  any  original  malicioufnefs  :  that, 
before  the  fall,  the  ferpent  was  mild,  tra(£table,  and  more  familiar 
with  man  than  any  other  creature ;  and  ftrongly  intimates  that  he 
had  won  the  attention  and  gained  the  good  liking  of  our  firft 
parents.  For  when  Ood  fays  he  will  put  enmity  bctwen  the  fer- 
pent and  woman,  the  implication  mufl  be  that  there  was  fome 
fort  of  kindnefs  and  friendship  between  them  before.    This  wa$ 


io6  Mafonic  emblems  explained. 

From  this  difaftrous  period  enmity  irrec- 
oncilable has  fubfifted  between  the  ferpent 
and  man.  It  is  natural  for  us  to  dread  even 
the  tool  by  which  we  have  been  wounded, 
though  we  cannot  predicate  guilt  of  the  in- 
ftrument,  or  rationally  account  for  our  aver- 
lion.  But  this  need  not  prejudice  us  againft 
the  inftru6tion  we  may  hence  derive.  Let 
me  make  the  creature  which  was  inftru- 
mental  in  teaching  our  progenitor  evil  and 
mifery,  inftrumental  in  teaching  us,  his  de- 
fcendants,  good  and  happinefs.* 

I.  The  firft  lelTon  of  wifdom  we  may  learn 
from  the  ferpent  is  that  of  prudence.  This 
animal  is  faid  always  to  endeavor,  when  af- 
faulted  to  defend  his  head ;  he  fecures  that,  if 
it  be  pollible,  though  the  body  be  expofed.f 

the  fentiment  of  the  antient  and  modern  Jews,  and  of  feveral  of 
the  Chriftian  Fathers.  \^See  Josephus,  antiq.  lib.  i.  c.  a.  Rabbi 
Isaac  Abarbihel.  R.Maimonides,  more  nevochim,  p.  xi.  c.  30  R. 
Menachem.  Basil,  iomil.  de  paradifo.  Damascen.  de  fide,  1.  2. 
c.  10.]  And  it  may  be  well  to  recoUedl  that  the  Hebrew  word 
[gnarum,  whence  the  Latin  word  gnami]  here  tranflatedyj^i///  docs 
not  fignify  craft,  or  infidioufnefs,  but  irwwing  ;  and  fo  the  Seven- 
ty Interpreters  have  rendered  it :  and  they  employ  the  fame  greek 
word  which  our  Saviour  ufes  in  the  text  we  are  explaining. 

*  "  Fas  eft  ab  hofte  doceri." 

f  "  In  prsfentifTimo  vltx  periculo  totum  corpus  IdVibus  objici- 
unt,  ut  caput  occultent  at<iue  integrum  fervent." 

PUN,  naU  kiJL 


Mafonic  emhlerm  explained.  107 

It  becomes  us,  in  imitation  of  this,  when 
expofed  to  danger,  to  take  care  to  defend 
and  fecure  the  capital,  the  principal,  the  chief 
concern.* 

2.  We  may  learn  from  the  ferpent  perspi- 
cacity and  CIRCUMSPECTION.  The  antients 
have  celebrated  all  the  fpecies  for  quicknefs  of 
Jight.i  Hence  the  poets  have  placed  them  as 
keepers  of  the  garden  of  the  Hefperides.f 
He  who  has  ]omed  prudence  to  his  wifdom  will 
acquire  thefe  alfo.  He  will  look  about  him  : 
efpy  both  his  advantage  and  his  danger  ; 
efpecially  if  by  difcerning  the  latter  he  may 
know  how  to  bring  about  the  former.  His 
watchfulnefs    will    either   prevent  the  evil 

*  "  The  prudent  man  forefeeth  the  evil  and  hideth  himfelf.'* 

Prov.  xxli.  3. 

f  So  the  name  of  the  ferpent  in  greek  comes  from  the  verb 
■which  fignifies  to  fee. 

"  tam  cernis  acutum 
Quam  aut  aquila,  aut  Terpens  epidaurius." 

HoR.  lib.  i.fat.  3. 

\  DiOD.  4.  Ovid,  meiam.  iv.  637.  ix.  90.  HrciN,  tab.  30.  Apol- 
Loo.  iii-  c.  5.     Hesiod.  theogn.  v.  215. 

It  is  ftrange  that  thofe  who  have  pretended  to  explain  the  an- 
tient  mythology  have  not  difcovcred  in  this  fable  the  lineaments 
of  refcmbiance  to  the  hiftory  which  Mofes  gives  of  the  fall  of 
man.  One  can  furely  fee  here  the  prohibited  apples,  the  guarded 
tree,  and  the  ferpent. 


# 


ro8  Mafonie  emblems  explained, 

which  is  defigned  againft  him,  or  to  which 
he  is  expofed,  or  it  will  enable  him  to  pro- 
vide againft  it  efFeflually, 

3.  We  are  taught  by  the  example  of  the 
ferpent,  the  advantages  of  secrecy  and  re- 
tirement. He  owes  to  them  his  fafety  and 
repofe.  In  them  we  may  find  fecurity,  tran- 
quillity, and  peace.  In  the  facred  filence  of 
retreat  from  the  world  the  mind  collects  its 
powers  and  rebraces  its  energies.  There  we 
find  leifure,  opportunity,  and  inclination  to 
think  and  to  refolve  :  and  there  acquire  the 
ability  and  the  vigor  to  perform.  There, 
too,  we  efcape  from  temptation,  difembarrafs 
our  perplexities,  and  get  beyond  the  reach  of 
care.  There  we  acquire  the  knowledge  of 
ourfelves  ;  hear  the  "  ftill  fmall  voice"  of 
reafon  and  of  confcience  which  was  drowned 
in  the  noife  and  buftle  of  life  ;  and  there  we 
find  accefs  to  the  Divinity.  "  The  eye  which 
feeth  in  fecret"  beholds  us  with  complacen- 
cy :  while  the  benignity  of  his  love  hides  us 
with  fheltering  fafety  in  the  receffes  of  his 
pavilion. 

4.  The  ferpent  is  faid  to  evade  the  force 
of  the  enchanter  by  laying  one  ear  clofe  to 


Mafonic  emblems  explained,  109 

the  ground,  and  Hopping  the  other  by  the 
extreme  end  of  his  body.*  Let  us  hence 
take  a  hint  of  caution  to  (hut  our  ears  to  the 
enchantments  of  pleafure  and  vokiptuoufnefs, 
the  fpells  of  wealth,  the  delufions  of  ambi- 
tion,  and  the  temptations  of  fin.  If  we  give 
ear  to  them  we  may  be  feduced  from  the  fe- 
cure  condition  of  innocence  and  duty,  to  the 
ruinous  one  of  guilt  and  apoftacy. 

5.  It  is  obferved  of  ferpents  that  they  caft 
off  their  old  fkins  in  the  fpring,  and  a  new 
one  fucceeds  them,  and  they  grow,  as  it  were 
young  again.f  It  may  be  proper  for  us,  in 
imitation  of  this,  to  throw  afide  our  rough 
exterior,  and  become  fmooth,  pliant,  and  in- 
finuating.  Morofity  and  aufterity  are  no 
parts  of  the  wifdom  we  are  recommending. 
They  are  "  the  fuperfluous  matter  which 
muft  be  knocked  off.*'  External  embellifh- 
ment  is  not  to  be  difregarded.  Many  people 
form  their  opinion  at  fir  ft  fight.     The  out- 

•  BoCBART.  h'uroz.  torn.  2. 1.  3.  C.  6.  Calmet,  dij[ert.  in  Pfal.  Ivlii. 
4,5. 

f  EpiPiiANitJS,  fpealdng  of  this  property  of  the  ferpent,  fays,  he 
fufs  off  his  old  age.  See  alfo  Aristot.  hiJI.  an.  1.  8.  So  the  antients 
reprcfented  ^fculapius  with  a  fnake  in  his  hand,  to  ilgmfy  his 
(kill  ia  renewing  men's  bodies  which  had  bceo  diieafcd. 


no  Mafonic  emblems  explained, 

ward  deportment  ihould  be  prepoffelling  r 
it  fliould  have  a  polilhed  grace.  Then  it  will 
prove  a  kind  of  letter  of  introdudion  to  the 
good  opinion  of  thofe  who  have  not  better 
means  of  knowing  us.  By  becoming  more 
agreeable  wc  may  render  ourfelves  the  more 
ufefiil.  But  the  man  of  roughnefs  will  be 
either  negleded  or  defpifed. 

There  is  an  inference  yet  more  inftru^live 
atd  important  to  be  derived  from  this  pecu- 
liar circumftance  in  the  hiftory  of  the  fer- 
pent.  We  are  by  it  reminded  of  that  moral 
RENOVATION  of  life  our  religion  enjoins. 
Would  we  become  "  wife  unto  falvation," 
we  muft  "  put  off  the  old  man,  be  renewed 
in  the  fpirit  of  our  minds,  and  put  on  the 
new  man  which  is  created  in  righteoufnefs 
and  true  holinefs." 

And,  then  ftill  farther  may  we  extend  the 
metaphor  to  that  more  perfed  transforma- 
tion, when  our  vile  bodies  Ihall  be  changed 
after  the  fafhion  of  Chrift*s  moft  glorious 
body,  and  this  mortal  fhall  be  clothed  with 
immortality. 

These  three  Jlages  of  advance,  from  un- 
formed   roughnefs   to   complete  perfection. 


Mafonic  emblems  explained,  x  1 1 

are  underftood  by  my  brethren  of  the  lodge 
in  a  manner  emphatically  clear  and  import- 
ant. Here  they  involve  fome  of  the  fublim- 
eft  myftcries  of  Free  Mafonry.  But  here  a 
folemn  awe  pervades  my  foul  :  nor  would 
my  trembling  hand  prefumc  to  draw  afide 
the  veil  which  hides  the  bright  tranfcenden- 
cy  of  wifdom. 

III.  Let  us  turn,  my  brethren,  from  inef- 
fable wonders  and  over  dazzling  fplendors  t« 
the  contemplation  of  thofe  mild  and  lovely 
graces  prefigured  to  us  in  the  fymbol  of  the 
dove.  Thus  we  ceafe  to  gaze  at  the  glorious 
magnificence  of  the  fetting  fun,  to  view  the 
tempered  radiance  of  the  ftarry  fky. 

Without  dwelling  upon  particulars,  it 
will  be  fufficient  here  to  enumerate  fome  of 
thofe  qualities  afcribable  to  the  dove  proper 
for  our  imitation.     At  the  head  of  thefe  are 

HARMLESSNESS,     MILDNESS,    and  INNOCENCE. 

The  bird  has  always  been  the  emblem  of 
thefe.  Indeed  it  is  fo  remarkable  for  being 
placid  and  gentle  that  the  antients  fuppofed 
it  had  no  gall.*     Doves  are,  alfo,  familiar, 

•  Plin.  nat.  hiji.  1.  10.  C.  34.  Ovid  metamorp.  1.  7.  V.  369. 
Clemens  Alex.  padagA.  1.  c.  j.  Tertul.  de  baptifmo,  c.  8.  Isio- 
poR.  orlg.  I.  12.  C^SARius,  dial.  4.  ap,  191.  Horapollinis. 
hierogl.  I.  2.  c.  48. 


ii:>  Mafonic  eynhleim  explamcd* 

FRIENDLY,  and  PEACEABLE.  They  take  in- 
juries rather  than  offer  them.  They  are  like- 
wife  fignalized  for  being  pure  and  chaste, 
very  loving  and  very  constant  in  affec- 
tion. They  feem  to  have  a  social  disposi- 
tion, and  go  in  flocks.  And  they  are  faid 
to  be  PITIFUL  and  compassionate.*  Such 
lovely  qualities  have  always  infured  them  the 
protedlion  and  endeared  them  to  the  partial- 
ity of  man.  Lodges  are  ere6led  for  them  near 
our  houfes  ;  and  refrejhment  furnifhed  them 
from  our  own  fupplies.  And  with  fuch  pleaf- 
ing  monitors,  my  friends,  before  our  eyes, 
fliall  we  not  be  prompted  and  allured  to  ev- 
ery thing  amiable,  endearing,  and  kind  ? 
Shall  we  not  foar  above  each  low  and  fordid 
fcene  of  vice  and  wanton  folly,  and  flretch 
our  eager  pinions  towards  the  fky  ?  And, 
tired  with  earth  and  vanity,  take  to  our- 
felves  wings  as  a  dove,  and  fly  away  and  be 
at  refl ! 

Thus,  my  hearers,  have  I  endeavored  to 
convey  to  you  fome  of  the  ideas  which  pre- 

?  Thefe  qualities  are  alluded  to  in  Ifai.  xxxviii.  14.    lix.  ii« 
Nah.   ii.  7. 


Mafonic  emblems  explained.  1 1 3 

fented  themfelves  in  contemplating  our  text. 
I  hope  the  leffons  of  wisdom  and  innocence, 
will  be  allowed  a  general  application^  although 
the  enumerated  qualities  of  the  one  and  the 
other  are  purely  Mafonic.  Not  that  they 
are  the  prevailing  features  in  every  Mafon's 
charader ;  for  there  are  bad  men  among  us, 
as  well  as  amongft  chriftians,  and  other 
aflbciations  for  virtue-  Thefe  are  fpots  in 
our,  and  in  their,  feafts  of  charity.  But 
the  moralities  pointed  out  are  the  acknow- 
ledged, appropriate,  articles  of  every  Mafon's 
creed.  In  our  lodges  they  are  illuftrated  by 
the  moft  expreflive  fymbols,  recommended 
by  the  moft  engaging  examples,  and  enforc- 
ed by  the  moft  pathetic  lectures  :  while  the 
lignet  of  heavenly  truth  ftamps  them,  on 
every  yielding,  receptive  heart,  in  characters 
indelible.  This  folemn  declaration  I  make 
in  the  fear  of  God,  as  well  as  love  of  the 
brethren.  "  Let  us,  therefore,  as  many  as 
be  perfed:,  be  thus  minded  ;  and,  if  in  any 
thing  ye  be  otherwife  minded,  God  fliall  re- 
veal even  this  unto  you."* 

*  Philippians  iii.  15. 
H 


114  Mafonic  emblems  explained. 

In  conclufion,  allow  me  to  obferve  to  you 
that  though  you  ftiould  underftand  all  myfte- 
ries  and  all  knowledge,  and  have  not  char- 
ity, it  will  profit  you  nothing.  In  vain  is  it, 
my  brethren,  that  you  have  been  illuminated 
by  a  fun  more  glorious  than  that  which  rules 
the  day,  if  its  kindly  beams  have  not  warm- 
ed and  melted  your  heart  to  foftenings  of 
love  and  generofity.  "To  do  good,  then, 
and  to  communicate  forget  not,  for  with 
fuch  facrifices  God  is  well  pleafed."  An  op- 
portunity is  now  offered  for  that  liberal  be- 
ftowment  of  alms  fo  grateful  to  the  indigent 
receiver,  fo  honorable  to  the  generous  be- 
ftower,  and  fo  acceptable  to  the  Lord  of 
mercy,  who  acknowledges  the  fmalleft  in- 
flance  of  relief  done  for  one  of  the  leafl  of 
thefe  his  brethren  as  bellowed  on  himfelf. 

In  pleading  for  the  poor  of  this  town  I 
can  ufe  all  the  emphafis  which  confraternity 
in  alliance  and  affedion  excites.  Here  are 
my  deareft  kindred  and  friends.  Here  firfl 
I  drew  the  vital  air  ;  and  with  it  inhaled  a 
fentiment  of  partiality  for  my  native  place 


Mafonic  emblems  explained*  1 1 5 

which  has  blended  itfelf  with  all  the  affec- 
tions of  my  heart,  and  breathed  in  all  my 
prayers  to  heaven.  Having,  with  my  belov- 
ed parents^  fliared  deeply  in  the  diftrelfes 
and  defolations  which  war  occafioned  here, 
moft  fenlibly  can  I  feel  for  thofe  who  yet 
fink  under  the  accumulated  preffure  of  dif- 
appointed  expedations  and  penurious  cir- 
cumftances.  And  devoutly  do  I  hope  that 
thofe  who  Ihare  a  kindlier  fate  will  now  be 
excited  tenderly  to  commiferate  and  bounti- 
fully to  relieve  their  unfortunate  brethren. 

Permit  me,  my  fellow  townfmen,  on  this 
day  confecrated  to  the  memory  of  worth  departed^ 
to  tender  you  the  condolences  of  my  fympa- 
thy  upon  the  recent  death  of  two  moft  valu- 
ed members  of  our  community.  A  Russell 
and  a  Gorham  are  loft  indeed  to  earth, 
though  gained  to  heaven.  To  the  circle  of 
private  relations  and  extenftve  friendfhip 
they  were  defervedly  and  invaluably  dear  : 
their  removal  from  thefe  is  felt  with  all  the 
poignancy  of  remedilefs  grief.  To  the  inter- 
cfts  of  their  country,  of  humanity,  and  of 


1 1 6  Mafonic  emhlenu  explained. 

virtue,  tjiey  were  patrons  whofe  lofs  is  irrep- 
arable. But  they  have  left  us  the  bright 
legacy  of  their  example.  Let  us  all  ftrive  to 
emulate  their  never  to  be  forgotten  excellen- 
ces ;  and  our  names  fhall  be  recorded  with 
theirs  in  the  regiftry  of  immortal  glory. 


DISCOURSE  VII. 

ON  ILLUSTRATING  OUR  PROFESSION  BT 
EXAMPLE. 


DISCOURSE  VII. 


Delivered  at  the  consecration  of  the  MERIDIAN  SUN 
LODGE  IN  Brookfield,  September  12,  1798. 


MATTHEW  V.  16. 

"  LET  YOUR  LIGHT  SO  SHINE  BEFORE  MEN  THAT 
THEY  MAY  SEE  YOUR  GOOD  IVORXS,  AND 
GLORIFY  YOUR  FATHER  WHO  IS  IN  HEAVEN** 

As  the  suN^  when  he  retires  from 
the  horizon,  is  fucceeded  by  the  planets  and 
the  ftars,  which  irradiate  the  hemifphere  he 
has  quitted  with  a  luftre,  though  more 
feeble,  yet  fuch  as  fliews  they  partake  of  his 
brightnefs  and  fupply  his  place  :  fo  when  he, 
who  is  emphatically  ftiled  the  sUn  of  right- 
eousness, was  about  to  leave  this  earth,  he 
ordained  that  the  faithful  fliould  rife  in  his 
ftead  to  enlighten  the  world  in  the  knowL 


I20  On  ilhtfl rating  our 

edge  of  his  truth,  and  difFufe  its  falutary 
influence  through  every  region  and  every 
age. 

When,  at  the  firft  creation,  God  faid,  let 

THERE    BE    LIGHT,    AND  THERE    WAS  LIGHT  ;    it 

was  to  the  end  that  the  darknefs  might  be 
difperfed,  and  his  works  become  vilible  and 
his  perfections  manifefl  :  and  when,  at  the 
fecond  creation  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  fays, 

LET  YOUR  LIGHT  SHINE  BEFORE  MEN;  he  intcuds 

that  thofe  whom  he  had  juft  called  "  the 
light  of  the  world^^  ihould  endeavor  to  diflipatc 
the  moral  darknefs  of  mankind  by  inftruft- 
ing  them  in  the  dodrines  of  his  gofpel  and 
by  difplaying  the  happy  effects  of  his  religion 
in  the  purity  of  their  lives  and  the  luftre  of 
their  virtues. 

There  is  great  propriety  and  beauty  in 
the  metaphor  w^hich  he  here  ufed.  Nothing 
is  more  apt  to  attract  the  eyes  and  enliven 
the  countenance  than  light  ;  efpecially  that 
which  fhines  in  a  dark  place  :  So  nothing 
can  more  excite  the  obfervation,  engage  the 
attention,  or  gladden  the  hearts  of  beholders, 
than  a  fair,  bright,  and  excellent  charader. 


■profejfion  by  example,  121 

appearing  in  the  midft  of  a  diflblute,  and 
corrupt  generation.  And,  as  all  luminous 
bodies,  in  proportion  to  the  degree  of  their 
own  brightnefs,  difFufe  their  light  around 
them,  and  at  a  diftance  enlighten  other  bod- 
ies ;  fo,  in  a  moral  and  religious  fenfe,  a 
good  example  is  a  light  fliining  in  darknefs, 
fpreading  its  influence  every  way,  difFuling 
inftru<5lion  and  knowledge,  motives  to  ref- 
ormation and  encouraG:ements  to  virtue.* 


*o^ 


There  is  obfervable  in  human  nature  a  pe- 
culiar pronenefs  to  imitation.  Hence  fomc 
of  our  earlieft  habits  are  formed.  In  infancy 
we  catch  the  ideas  and  conform  to  the  man- 
ners of  our  parents  and  acquaintance.  As 
we  progrefs  forward  in  life,  we  learn  to  fol- 
low and  to  copy  thofe  whom  we  refpect  as 
fuperiors,  venerate  as  inftructors,  or  love  as 
friends.  We  affimulate  to  our  affociates, 
imbibe  their  opinions,  and  imitate  their  con- 
dud  :  We  even  take  their  mode  of  fpeech 
and  tone  of  voice.     Indeed,  example  has  a 

•  Cicero  obferves  that  the  reafon  why  we  are  formed,  pleafed 
and  able  to  admire  the  beauty  and  regularity  in  the  heavenly  bod- 
ies, was  to  admonifli  us  to  imitate  their  conltancy  and  order  in 
the  nobltr  beauty  of  a  tuorthy  bebavitr. 


122  On  ilhtjirating  our 

kind  of  fafcination  or  charm  which  it  is 
almoft  impoffible  to  relifl.  It  carries  with  it 
both  inftruftion  and  encouragement*  Whilft 
advice  or  precepts  make  only  a  flight  impref- 
lion  on  the  mind,  and  one  which  lafts  for  a 
very  ftiort  time,  example  is  a  conftant  and 
powerful  call  to  imitation.*  It  works, 
though  gradually  and  imperceptibly,  yet 
more  powerfully  and  fuccefsfuUy  than  we  are 
aware  of  ;  like  light,  iilent  in  its  operation, 
but  wonderful  in  its  effeifts.  It  has  an  elo- 
quence which  reaches  the  heart.  No  lan- 
guage is  more  perfuafive  or  inftrudive.  It 
admoniflies  without  exciting  refentment, 
and  correds  without  giving  offence,  and 
thus  poITelTes  all  the  utility  without  the  for- 
mality of  reproof. 

As  a  good  picture  ftrikes  us  more  forcibly, 
and  gives  a  more  adequate,  lively,  and  im- 
preflive  idea  of  the  objed  reprefented  by  it, 
than  any  defcription  by  words  could  do  ;  fo 
goodnefs  or  excellence  of  any  kind  reprefent- 
ed by  precepts  does  not  fo  powerfully  move 
the  affeftions  as  when  we  fee  it  dehneated  in 

*  "  •validiora  J\tnt  exempla  quam  vcrba^  et  pkniut  ctere  docetur  quam 
veee." 


profeffion  by  example.  123 

the  life.  Nor  is  there  any  thing  which  can 
fo  efFeclually  recommend  any  fyftem,  and 
render  it  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  exclufive 
of  its  own  intrinlic  worth,  as  its  beneficial 
and  happy  efFe6i:s  made  vifible  in  the  charac- 
ters of  its  advocates.  Thefe  carry  with  them 
undeniable  evidence  of  the  value  of  thofe 
principles  from  whence  they  flow,  and  whofe 
tendency  is  thus  confpicuoufly  good. 

In  farther  difcourfing  on  the  paflage  under 
confideration,  I  propofe  to  Ihew,  in  the  Jirjl 
place,  to  my  hearers  in  general,  the  import- 
ance of  a  good  example  as  exhibiting  and 
vindicating  the  principles  of  Christianity  ; 
2Xidi,  fecondly^  ^PP^^Y  "^^  fubjecl  to  the  prefent 
occafion,  by  recommending  to  my  brethren 
of  the  MASONIC  family,  a  conduct  which  fhall 
refled  luftre  and  honor  upon  the  inflitution 
to  which  they  belong, 

I,  It  is  the  peculiar  honor  and  glory 
of  CHRISTIANITY  in  its  firft  promulgation 
that  the  behavior  of  its  profefTors  was  agree- 
able to  the  heavenly  precepts  they  incul- 
cated ;  that  the  integrity  of  their  morals 
was  anfwerable  to  the  purity  of  their  faith  j 


1 24  Oyi  illiijlrating  our 

and  that  the  goodnefs  of  their  example  and 
the  holinefs  of  their  converfation,  the  irre- 
proachablenefs  of  their  conduct,  and  the 
amiablenefs  of  their  manners,  adorned  the 
doElrine  they  taught  and  gave  it  peculiar  luf- 
tre  in  the  eyes  of  the  world.  Prophecies  had 
foretold  its  intent,  and  miracles  announced 
its  divinity  ;  but  the  life  of  its  author  and  its 
followers  exhibited  the  religion  in  its  genu- 
ine influence  and  fhew  its  intrinfic  excellency. 
And  it  feems  to  have  been  the  defign  of  our 
Lord  that  in  every  after  age  it  fliould  extend 
itfelf  by  the  internal  evidence  of  its  admira- 
ble precepts  and  the  external  .difplay  of  its 
benign  effe<5ls.  And,  if  its  profeffors  did  but 
act  up  to  their  principles,  an  appeal  might  be 
made  to  their  lives  for  the  beft  recommenda- 
tion of  their  faith  ;  and  lefs  would  need  be 
written  in  defence  of  the  gofpel :  For  every 
doubt  and  every  objedion  mufl  yield  to  the 
lovelinefs  of  example  and  the  eloquence  of 
pradice.  When  the  graces  of  chriftianity 
adorn  the  charader,  and  its  virtues  dignify 
the  conduct,  its  beauty  muft  attract  every 
eye  and  its  worth  gain  on  every  heart.  Men 
from  admiring,  will  infenfibly  be  induced  to 


profejfion  by  example*  a  25 

imitate  fuch  illuftrious  models  ;  which,  "  bet- 
tering all  precept,  fliine  before  the  world  the 
faireft  call  to  good."  Such  bright  difplays 
will  not  only  be  feen,  but  felt ;  and  may  kin- 
dle, even  in  the  coldeft  and  moft  infenfible 
hearts,  a  noble  emulation.  For  a  good  ex- 
ample, as  has  been  already  intimated,  has  not 
only  in  itfelf  a  tendency  to  form  the  tempers 
and  morals  of  others  to  an  aflimulation  ;  but 
it  alfo  places  religion  in  a  very  engaging 
light,  and  naturally  begets  an  efteem,  love 
and  choice  of  it  in  every  obferver. 

With  the  utmoft  propriety,  then,  did  our 
Lord  recommend  to  his  difciples  an  exem- 
plary conduft,  both  as  befitting  the  high  and 
honorable  office  he  had  affigned  them,  and  as 
eminently  conducive  to  its  fuccefs  in  the 
world. 

What  was  their  duty  as  teachers,  is  be- 
coming us,  my  hearers,  as  difciples.  Efpec- 
ially  as  we  live  at  a  period  in  which  infidelity 
in  opinion  and  profligacy  in  manners  are 
very  prevalent.  It  is,  therefore,  highly  ex- 
pedient that  we  give  to  our  religion  all  the 
authority  of  our  acknowledgment,  and  all 


1 26  On  iliuji rating  our 

the  recommendation  of  our  example  :  That 
by  our  converfation  and  conduct  we  may 
"  exhibit  lucid  proof  that  we  are  honeft  in 
the  facred  caufe  j'*  and  that  it  may  be  ap- 
parent in  our  "  good  works,"  that  chriftian- 
ity  produces  the  happieft  effecbs,  contributive 
to  the  improvement  and  felicity  of  man,  and 
to  the  honor  and  glory  of  God. 

Be  ye,  therefore,  fliining  profeflbrs  and 
bright  examples  of  religion  in  a  dark  and 
mifguided  age  !  Thus  adorn  the  dodlrine  of 
God  your  faviour,  making  your  lives  a  faith- 
ful commentary  upon  it,  and  a  high  recom- 
mendation of  it  !  Thus  win  it  admirers  and 
gain  it  profelytes  ! 

Let  it  be  remembered,  that  our  good 
works  may  be  confpicuous  without  being 
oftentatious.  The  genuine  and  unafFeded 
appearances  refulting  from  righteoufnefs  and 
piety,  may  be  exhibited  without  the  danger 
of  being  even  fufpected  of  hypocrify.  We 
need  not /peak  great  things,  but  live  them. 
We  fliould,  however,  manfully  avow  what 
w^e  lincerely  believe  ;  and,  by  an  open  and 
vifible  attachment  to  duty,  exprefs  our  re- 


profejjion  by  example.  127 

gard  to  the  honor  of  God,  and  give  refplend- 
ency  to  the  chriftian  name. 

It  is  true,  that  many  of  the  good  effeais  of 
our  religion  are  the  private  exercifes  and  fat- 
isfadions  of  the  heart,  and  known  only  to 
the  Deity  and  our  own  fouls  :  But  yet  there 
are  many  things  which  are  made  vifible  in 
the  life  ;  thefe  our  acquaintance  will  notice, 
and  from  them  judge  of  our  real  charadler. 
Thefe^  therefore,  fhould  be  fuch  as  will  exem- 
plify the  excellent  principles  by  which  we 
are  governed,  fuch  as  men  may  behold  with 
the  grcateft  pleafure  and  follow  with  the 
greateft  advantage  ;  fuch  as  may  render  us 
friendly  luminaries,  ferving  at  once  both  to 
enlighten  the  paths  and  kindle  the  emulation 
of  all  around  us.  And  it  may  reafonably  be 
expected,  that  fuch  an  experimental  reprefen- 
tation  of  goodnefs  as  this,  will  induce  a  great 
many  to  become  profelytes  to  religion. 

The  natural  tendency  of  a  good  example 
to  induce  thofe  who  obferve  it  to  an  imita- 
tion ;  and  the  great  probability  there  is  that 
it  will  have  this  effed,  upon  fome  at  leaft,  if 
not  upon  all  who  fee  it,  is  a  very  powerful 


128  On  illuji rating  our 

inducement  to  the  faithful  difcharge  of  the 
duty  we  are  recommending.  Becaufe,  if  it 
have  this  effect,  we  fhall  do  the  greateft  kind- 
nefs  to  our  neighbor,  obtain  the  mod  ample 
fatisfaclion  and  reward  for  ourfelves,  and 
bring  glory  to  God  in  the  difFufion  of  his 
truth  :  Any  of  which  confiderations  alone  is, 
and  therefore,  much  rather  are  they  alto- 
gether, fufficicnt  to  ftimulate  all  our  endea- 
vors, and  to  demand  our  bell  condud.  Let 
us  not  decline,  then,  giving  fufficicnt  out- 
ward proofs  of  being  ourfelves  moved  and 
actuated  by  a  true  fpirit  of  godlinefs  ;  and 
let  us  ftrive,  by  all  practicable  and  prudent 
methods  to  propagate  the  fame  in  others. 
Let  us  impart  freely  our  knowledge  ;  and, 
like  the  glorious  luminaries  of  heaven,  re- 
fled  the  light  we  receive  ;  and  not  be  like 
thofe  opaque  fubftances  which  abforb  or  in- 
tercept every  ray  of  brightnefs,  and  even  caft 
a  Ihade  on  each  furrounding  body.  Let  us 
*'  ftiine  as  lights  in  the  world  j'*  guiding 
others  by  the  refplendence  of  our  wifdom, 
and  winning  them  to  virtue  by  the  lullre  of 
our  example  ! 


prof ejfion  by  example,  129 

These  obfervations  and  counfels,  are 
equally  applicable  to  us  all,  my  refpedcd 
hearers,  both  as  Chrijiians  and  as  Mafons  : 
And  I  feel  a  peculiar  pleafure  in  affirming  the 
intimate  connexion  between  the  two  char- 
aders.  We  are  alike  "  built  upon  the  foun- 
dations of  the  prophets  and  apoftles,  Jefus 
Chrift  himfelf  being  the  chief  corner  ftone  ; 
in  whom  all  the  building  fitly  framed  to- 
gether, groweth  into  an  holy  temple  in  the 
Lord.'*  Indulge  me,  however,  while  I  apply 
the  fubjecl,  as  I  propofed,  in  the  fccond  place^ 
by  recommending  to  my  brethren  of  the 
MASONIC  FAMILY^  in  addition  to  the  general 
duty  of  exemplarinefs  as  chrijiians,  the  exhi- 
bition of  fuch  a  condudl  as  fliall  reflect  luflre 
and  honor  upon  their  own  inftitution  ;  dif- 
playing  its  venerable  character  and  illuftrat- 
ing  its  benevolent  defigns. 

Since  many  of  our  forms  and  operations 
are  neceflarily  fecreted  from  common  infpec- 
tion,  tlie  generality  of  mankind  will  make 
up  their  opinion  of  the  fociety  from  the  de- 
portment of  its  members.  This  ought  to 
ferve  as  a  very  powerful  call  to  every  one 
of  us,  uniformly  and  openly,  to  difplay  thofc 
I 


J30  On  illujirating  our 

qualities  and  virtues  fo  ftrongly  inculcated 
and  warmly  recommended  in  the  lodge.  To 
little  purpofe  fhall  we  commend  the  inftitu- 
tion  and  boaft  the  excellence  of  its  principles 
and  purpofes,  if  our  lives  give  not  corrobora- 
tive evidence  to  our  affertions  and  prove  not 
the  propriety  of  our  encomiums.  If  we  ap- 
pear neither  wifer  nor  better  than  the  unin- 
itiated, the  world  will  begin  to  fufped  the 
efficacy  of  our  tenets  j  and  if  no  good  effects 
are  apparent,  they  will  doubt  whether  any 
are  produced.  How  necefl'ary  is  it,  there- 
fore, my  brethren,  that  ye  "  be  blamelefs 
and  harmlefs,  the  fons  of  God  without  re- 
buke in  the  midfl  of  a  crooked  and  perverfe 
nation,  among  whom  ye  fhine  as  lights  in 
the  world  1*'* 

The  conduct  of  thofe  on  whom  fo  many 
eyes  are  fixed,  muft  infenfibly  have  a  very 
confiderable  influence.  As  it  is  juftly  requir- 
ed that  they  Ihould  live  up  to  the  high  char- 
after  they  allume,  fo  their  defers  and  ill 
conduct  will  difappoint  the  expectations  they 
have  excited,  and  eventually  bring  difcredit 
upon  their  order.     "  If  the  light  that  is  in 

•  Philip,  ii.  15. 


profejfioji  by  example*  131 

them  be  darknefs,  how  great  is  that  dark- 
nefs  !"* 

At  the  fame  time  there  is  no  propriety  in 
taxing  us  with  every  unreafonable  prejudice, 
cr  making  us  accountable  for  every  unfound- 
ed fufpicion.  If  people  will  condemn  our 
principles  without  examination,  and  decide 
upon  our  deeds  without  candor  or  juftice  ; 
we  have  no  refource  but  in  the  inward  con- 
fcioufnefs  of  integrity  and  good  intentions, 
and  the  outward  difplay  of  fuch  conduct  as 
fiiall  prove  their  cenfures  unjuft.  And  we 
will  hope  "  by  well  doing  to  put  to  filence 
the  ignorance  of  foolifh  men."  Yes,  my 
brethren,  be  it  your  care  to  confute  all  fuch 
illiberal  cenfures  as  modern  alanmjli  have 
belched  out  againft  Free  Mafonry,  by  {hew- 
ing the  good  influence  of  the  inftitution 
upon  your  tempers  and  lives.  In  fpite  of  all 
ihcir  fneers,  and  all  their  invedlives,  it  will 
flill  infallibly  fecure  pubHc  approbation  and 
private  cftcem,  if  your  condud  elucidate  its 
principles  and  is  modelled  by  its  precepts. 

*  Matth.  vi.  23, 


132  On  illiijlmtlng  our 

As  light  is  not  held  forth  merely  to  manifeft 
itfelf,  but  to  fliew  fome  other  ufeful  thing 
which,  without  it,  might  have  remained  in 
obfcurity  ;  fo  your  confpicuous  worth  will 
not  only  fhew  the  brightnefs  of  your  own 
characters,  but  lend  a  lullre  to  your  fociety 
whereby  it  may  be  better  underftood  and  its 
nature  more  advantageoufly  difplayed. 

Whilst  unitedly  difpofed  to  defend  your 
order,  be  unitedly  determined  to  preferve  it 
worthy  of  defence.  Carefully  guard  againft 
all  innovations-  "  Remove  not  the  old  land- 
marks which  your  fathers  have  fet."  They 
are  rendered  venerable  by  antiquity,  and  y^- 
cred  by  religion.  Preferve  unaltered  the  dig- 
nity of  its  antient  conftitutions,  and  unadul- 
terated the  primitive  fimplicity  and  pure 
morality  of  its  laws ;  and  Mafonry  will  flour- 
ifli  in  its  priftinc  honors. 

May  the  lodge  this  day  confecrated,  be 
beautiful  as  the  Sun  in  its  brightnefs,  cheer- 
ing and  enlivening  as  its  kindlieft  influences, 
clear  and  glorious  as  its  noon-tide  beams ! 
May  the  officers  fill  their  fpheres  with  light, 
and  the  members  be  radiant   orbs  around 


profejjlon  by  example.  i  j^ 

their  centre  !  May  the  brethren  be  glad- 
dened by  their  enlightened  courfe,  and  re- 
fled  and  diffufe  on  all  around,  their  fplendor  ! 

Long,  bright,  and  profperous,  be  the  fair 
and  hopeful  day  which  now  fliines  upon 
you  !  May  no  mifts  of  prejudice  obfcure,  no 
envious  difk  eclipfe  its  glory. 

Finally.  Let  us  all  my  hearers,  be  ac- 
tively and  eminently  good.  May  our  exam- 
ple and  conduct  in  life  prove  a  high  recom- 
mendation and  a  fair  illuftration  of  our  prin- 
ciples, and  reflect  the  brighteft  honor  upon 
our  profelTion  and  chara6ter.  May  our 
"  light  fo  fliine  before  men,  that  they  may 
fee  our  good  works  and  glorify  our  Father 
who  is  in  heaven  ;"  and  may  we,  (having 
been  ivife,  and  happily  inftrumental  in  turn- 
ing many  to  righteoufnefs)  hereafter  "  fliine 
as  the  brightnefs  of  the  firmament  and  as  the 
itars  forever  and  ever  !'* 


12 


DISCOURSE  VIII. 

ON  PRESERVING  THE  CREDIT  OF  THE 
INSTITUTION. 


DISCOURSE  VIII. 


Deuvered  at   the  consecration  of   HIRAM  LODGE,  in 
Lexington,  October  17,1798. 


ROMANS  XIV.  16. 

LET  NOT  THEN  YOUR  GOOD  BE  EVIL  SPOKEN  OF. 

1  HE  Apoflle  had  been  fuggefting  fomc 
advice  to  the  brethren  with  regard  to  their 
behavior  in  matters  of  indiflference.  He  af- 
ferted  the  full  extent  of  chriftian  liberty  ; 
but  at  the  fame  time  cautioned  them  not  to 
abufe  this  liberty  fo  as  to  give  offence  or 
occalion  of  {tumbling  to  any  man.  In  the 
words  felected  as  our  text,  he  enjoins  it  upon 
them  fo  to  order  their  conduct  that  their 
profellion  might  never  be  reproached  as  coun- 
tenancing improper  freedoms.  He  advifes 
them,  therefore,  to  abftain  altogether  from 
things,  which,  if  not  unlawful,  were  never- 


138  On  preferving  the  credit 

thelefs  inexpedient  ;  and  that  what  was  too 
good  to  be  given  up,  in  condefcenfion  to  pop- 
ular opinion  or  prejudice,  they  muft  vindi- 
cate from  mifreprefentation  and  guard  from 
abufe. 

You  perceive,  my  hearers,  that  the  pre- 
cept refpeds  all  ages  of  the  world  ;  and  will, 
unqueftionably,  be  wife  counfel,  fo  long  as 
mifapprehenlions  and  miftakes,  want  of  can- 
dor and  want  of  caution,  remain  amongft  men^ 

To  wifli  to  be  well  fpoken  of  for  what  we 
do  well,  is  natural  and  reafonable.  Merit 
ihould  obtain  this  reward.  Exertion  needs 
this  encouragement.  Neverthelefs,  "  if  do- 
ing well,  we  yet  fuffer  reproach,  to  endure  it 
patiently  is  acceptable  before  God."*  At 
the  fame  time  it  is  poilible  that  fomething  in 
the  manner  or  circumftances  of  our  condudl 
may  take  off  from  its  beauty  or  leffen  its 
credit.     Againft  this  it  becomes  us  to  guard, 

I  WILL  mention  a  few  inftances. 

1.  We  expofe  our  good  to  being  evil  fpoken 
of,  if  we  are  too  fond  of  difplaying  it ;  and 

•  I  pet.  ii.  ao- 


of  the  Injiitutim*  135 

it  may  fufFer  from  too  great  referve.  The 
firft  will  be  ridiculed  as  oftentation  ;  the 
laft,  ftigmatized  as  inexcufable  timidity. 

2.  Austerity  of  manners,  on  the  one  hand; 
and  levity,  on  the  other,  may  bring  reproach 
upon  our  virtue.  The  former  is  forbidding, 
and  produces  averfion  ;  the  latter  renders  our 
fmcerity  fufpicious. 

3.  Our  good  may  be  evil  fpoken  of,  if  we 
difcover  in  its  defence  too  much,  or  too  little 
zeal.  "  It  is,  indeed,  good  to  be  zealoufly 
affecled  always  in  a  good  thing."  Yet,  if 
our  zeal  be  without  knowledge,  or  be  not 
duly  tempered  with  prudence  and  charity,  it 
will  grow  extravagant  and  ra{h,  and  will 
really  injure  the  caufe  it  profeffes  to  defend. 
At  the  fame  time  not  to  fhew  any  zeal,  will 
appear  like  indifference. 

There  is  a  certain  medium  in  thefe  clr- 
cumftances  which  is  to  be  aimed  at  and  fol- 
lowed, if  we  would  avoid  giving  offence. 

It  would  be  impofTible  to  point  out  every 
particular  in  which  we  may  expofe  our  good 
to  be  evil  fpoken  of.  Even  fmall  matters 
may  induce  fufpicions  or  increafe  reproaches. 


140  On  preferring  the  credit 

A  little  inadvertence  or  neglect,  a  trifling  im- 
propriety or  indifcretion,  may  tarnifli  the 
luftre  of  the  higheft  virtues,  and  prevent  the 
ufefulnefs  of  the  beft  of  characters. 

How  prudently,  how  cautioufly,  then, 
fhould  we  behave  !  How  circumfpedly  fliould 
we  walk  !  How  carefully  fhun  whatever 
wears  the  refemblance  of  a  fault  or  may  be 
conftrued  into  a  crime  :  Left  our  very  excel- 
lences pafs  under  an  ill  name,  or  fome  flaws 
be  found  in  our  good  qualities,  which,  though 
candor  might  be  willing  to  overlook,  ill-na- 
ture will  not  know  how  to  fpare.  So  that 
we  muft  not  only  avoid  evil,  but  the  very 
appearance  of  evil  :  not  only  take  care  that 
our  conduft  be  right,  but  tha,t  what  is  good 
in  itfelf  be  not,  through  our  inadvertence  or 
fault,  difadvantageoufly  exhibited  to  others. 

It  is  true  there  are  fome  perfons  of  fo  cap- 
tious and  uncharitable  a  make,  that  it  would 
be  impoflible  for  the  moft  cautious  to  avoid 
their  remarks  or  efcape  their  cenfures.  The 
exceptions  may  lay  hold  of  fome  unguarded 
circumftance  or  other,  mifreprefent  what  is 
good;  and  by  giving   it  a  wrong  turn  or 


of  the  Injlitut'wn,  141. 

appellation,  fpoil  both  its  credit  and  efFedl. 
While  the  envious  and  malicious  will  be  fa- 
gacious  in  difcovering  the  weak  fide  of  every 
character,  and  dexterous  in  making  the  moft 
and  the  worft  of  it. 

Thus  circumftanced,  how  are  we  to  con- 
duct ?  How  is  it  poilible  to  fleer  clear  from 
blame  ?  It  may  not  be.  But  if  we  cannot 
efcape  reproaches,  we  may  avoid  deferving 
them. 

While  we  exercife  every  precaution  to 
keep  our  good  actions  from  any  fuch  fpots 
or  defeats  as  thofe  who  watch  for  our  halt- 
ing may  wifh  to  fpy  in  them  ;  we  fliould, 
alfo,  more  efpecially,  beware  left  we  give  any 
reafonable  perfons  juft  caufe  to  cenfure  or 
condemn  us.  While  we  are  careful  not  to 
furnifh  our  enemies  with  any  pretence  which 
might  juftify  their  criminations,  we  fliould 
prudently  refrain  from  every  thing  which 
would  needlefsly  difpleafe  our  friends. 

The  rule  we  have  been  illuftrating  con- 
cerns locieties,  no  lefs  than  fingle  perfons : 
focieties  of  an  order,  in  particular,  whd  are 


142  On  prefer ving  the  credit 

more  expofed  to  obfervation,  and  whofe  rep- 
utation is  of  more  fpecial  importance  to 
themfelvcs  and  to  the  public. 

At  the  prefent  day  when  every  thing  is  fuf- 
pe(5ted  which  is  not  fully  known  ;  when  the 
very  circumftance  of  myfteries  in  chriftianity 
is  made  an  excufe  for  infidelity  ;  when  all 
antient  eftabliftiments  are  become  objects  of 
jealoufy  ;  and  the  very  beft  things  in  the 
world' are  either  negle(5led  or  contemned; 
who,  or  what,  {hall  be  certain  of  exemption 
from  "  the  ftrife  of  tongues  ?'*  and  how  can 
we  be  furprized  that  the  inllitution  of  free, 
MASONRY  has  met  with  fecret  and  open  ene- 
mies ;  that  the  ignorant  miftake,  and  the  pre- 
judiced defame  it  ? 

Convinced  as  you  are,  brethren,  of  the 
purity  of  your  principles,  confcious  of  having 
the  warmefl  wifhes  for  the  benefit  of  man- 
kind, and  of  exerting  yourfelves  in  the  caufe 
of  charity  and  virtue  ;  to  meet  with  calumny 
infi:ead  of  commendation,  and  reproaches  in- 
ftead  of  thanks,  is  a  mortifying  difappoint- 
ment.  Hitherto  you  have  patiently  born  the 
infults  and  the  invedlives  with  which  the  order 


of  the  Injiitution,  14^ 

has  been  unjuftly  loaded  ;  hoping  *'  by  well 
doing  to  put  to  filence  the  ignorance  of  fool- 
ilh  men."  But  the  *^  accufers  of  the  brethren'* 
have  brought  forward  new  accufations,  and 
attempted  to  render  fufpicious  your  princi^ 
pies,  your  intentions,  and  your  conduft.  To 
let  thefe  criminations  circulate  unanfwered, 
unrefuted,  would  ill  become  you.  The  noble 
fpirit  of  confcious  innocence  rifes  indignant. 
And  you  delegate  me,  your  humble  advocate, 
this  day,  to  plead  your  caufe,  to  vindicate 
your  tenets,  and  to  refute  the  cavils  and  ex- 
pofe  the  abfurdity  and  injuftice  of  the  charges 
brought  againft  our  order.  I  undertake  it  j 
regretting  only  that  it  will  not  be  in  my 
power  to  do  juftice  to  the  fubjedl,  or  to  your 
expeflations  ;  but  hope  that  my  franknefs 
and  fmcerity  will  in  fomc  meafure  compen, 
fate  for  any  deficiences  in  the  execution. 

The  moral  good  of  Free  Mafonry  is  evilfpok-r 
en  of  How  unjuftly  will  be  evident  from 
the  ftatement  I  will  now  give  you  of  its  ten- 
ets on  this  fubjedl. 

"  To  \\2xt  faith  and  hope  in  GOD,  the  fu- 
preme  architect,  and  charity  towards  mak,  the 


144  On  prefer'ving  the  credit 

mafter-workmanfhip  of  his  hands,**  is  among 
its  firft  injunctions.*  This  is  the  key-Jione  of 
the  arch,  on  which  every  other  bears  ;  which 
unites  all  to  itfelf,  and  cements  the  feveral 
parts  into  one  folid,  flrong,  and  beautiful 
whole.  But,  as  every  one  is  accountable  on- 
ly to  the  Deity  for  his  religious  principles, 
and,  as  Mafons  are  colleded  from  various 
countries  where,  they  have  been  educated  un- 
der different  forms  and  ellabliftiments,  only 
thofe  great  elTentials  and  leading  truths  are 
injijied  on  in  which  all  men  agree  ;  contefts 
about  modes  of  faith  are  forbidden  in  the 
lodge  ;  and  each  one  is  left  to  his  own  con- 
fcience.  At  the  fame  time  it  is  well  known 
that  in  all  chriftianized  countries  Mafons 
have  proved  the  warm  friends,  admirers, 
and  advocates  of  the  gospel.  But  their  ad- 
verfaries  have  taken  exception  at  this  liber- 
ality of  fentiment  and  conduft,  and  have 
charsced  the  inftitution  with  demoralizinor 
principles.  Becaufe  Mafons  were  neither 
bigots  nor  enthufiafts,  they  have  inferred 
that  they  muft  be  libertines  and  atheifls. 

*  See  the  Book  of  Constitutions,  publiflied  by  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  MafTachufctts,  part  i.  chap.  i.  §  i.  "  0/~  God  and  Re- 
ligion." 


of  the  Injiitution,  14^ 

*'  To  be  guided  by  temperance  in  our  per- 
fonal  habits  ;  to  h^iVe  fortitude  to  refift  temp- 
tations and  to  check  improper  defires  j  to 
let  prudence  be  the  ruler  of  our  adions,  and 
jujiice  inftruct  us  to  render  to  every  one 
his  due  ;'*  is  another  of  the  moral  leffons 
of  Free  Mafonry.  There  can  be  nothing, 
furely,  exceptionable  in  this.  But  the  warm 
and  frequent  inculcations  of  charity,  brother- 
ly-love, and  general  benevolence,  are  evil 
fpoken  of  by  thofe  who  are  difpofed  to  find 
fault.  They  ridicule  them  as  "  wire-drawn 
diiTertations  on  the  focial  duties  ;"  inform- 
ing us  that  "  all  declamations  on  univerfal 
philanthropy  are  dangerous  :'**  and  thus  the 
SOCIAL  GOOD  of  Free  Mafonry  is  evil  fpoken  of 
But  what  then  will  be  faid  of  Chriftianity, 
for  teaching  the  fame  do6trine  of  loving  our 
neighbor  as  ourfelves  ;  which  extends  this 
charity  fo  as  even  to  include  enemies  in  the 
fphere  of  its  beneficence  ;  and  which  denies 
the  participation  of  its  affedions  to  none  ? 
A  pious  divine  hath  remarked,  that,  "  Phi- 
lanthropy owes  much  of  its  perfection  to 
Revelation,   which  has  enlarged  its  limits, 

*  See   Mr.  Robison's  book  about  confpiracies,  &c.  page   17, 
juid  345. 

K 


146  On  prefewing  the  credit 

extended  its  views,  defined  its  degrees,  and 
increafed  its  objecls.  Human  benevolence 
is  heightened  and  finiflied  to  the  laft  degree 
and  in  the  utmoft  extent  in  the  comprehen- 
live  fcheme  of  chriftian  charity."* 

Besides  ;  the  univerfal  benevolence  which 
Mafonry  infpires  is  fo  far  from  being  incon- 
fiftent  with  the  indulgence  of  the  private  af- 
fe6tions  and  the  obfervance  of  the  leffer  char- 
ities, that  thefe  are  the  very  materials  of 
which  it  is  compofed.  "  The  top  of  the  cli- 
max of  affection  cannot  be  reached  without 
advancing  through  each  intermediate  ftep  ; 
nor  is  it  pofTible  to  remain  at  the  top,  with- 
out refting  on  the  ladder  by  which  we  have 
afcended." 

Because  mafons  are  fliledyr^f,  and  becaufe 
in  the  lodge  they  Hand  upon  a  level^  an  im- 
putation is  brought  againft  them  as  favoring 
the  modern  notions  of  "  Liberty  and  Equal- 
ity."! Now,  the  freedom  which  we  profefs 
is  perfectly  confiflent  with  order,  with  fub- 
ordination,  and  with  allegiance.     And  as  to 

•  Bidlake's  fermons,  vol.  i.  p.  37,  and  ir.ore  largely  p.  194. 
\  See  ^'  La  voiU  rttira,  far  M.  Ll  Fuanc." 


of  the  hjlitution.  147 

the  equality  we  cultivate,  it  is  only  that  vol- 
untary and  temporary  condefcenfion  of  fupe- 
riors  to  inferiors  which  takes  place  during 
the  meeting  of  the  lodge  ;  where  it  is  con- 
fidered  as  effential  to  unanimity  and  promo- 
tive of  brotherly  love.*  When  the  members 
depart  to  mix  again  with  the  world,  each 
man  refumes  his  proper  place  in  fociety,  and 
retains  that  honor  and  refpecl  to  which  he  is 
entitled  by  his  flation,  his  talents,  or  his  vir- 
tues. Perhaps  this  cannot  be  better  expreff- 
ed  than  in  the  words  of  our  conftitutions  \\ 
"  You  are  to  falute  each  other  in  a  courteous 
manner,  as  you  will  be  inftructed,  calling 
each  other  brother  ;  freely  giving  mutual 
inftruclion,  as  fhall  be  thought  expedient, 
without  encroaching  upon  each  other,  or  de- 
rogating from  that  refpecl  which  is  due  to  a 
brother  were  he  not  a  mafon  :  for  thoudi 

o 

all  mafons  are,  as  brethren,  upon  a  level,  yet 
mafonry  diverts  no  man  of  the  honors  due  to 
him  before,  or  that  may  become  due  after, 

*  "  Love  fubfifts  only  by  mutual  kindnefles  and  compliances  : 
its  bafis  is  that  principle  of  sqaallty  which  ought  ever  in  fome  de- 
gree to  reign  between  man  and  man,  however  unequal  be  their 
condition  in  life."  Dr.  Enfield's y/Twnw.f,  vol.  3,  p.  17. 

f  Chap.  iv. 


148  On  preferring  the  credit 

he  was  made  a  Mafon.  On  the  contrary,  h 
increafes  refped,  teaching  us  to  add  to  all  his 
other  honors,  thofe  which  as  Mafons  we 
cheerfully  pay  to  an  eminent  brother  ;  dif* 
tinguilhing  him  above  all  of  his  rank  and 
ftation,  and  ferving  him  readily  according  to 
our  ability." 

How  ftrangely  perverfe  muft  that  judg- 
ment be,  which  infers  from  fuch  premifes 
that  the  inftitution  has  an  unfavorable  afpe<fc 
upon  fociety,  as  a  levelling  fyftem,  deftruclive 
of  the  grades  and  diftin<5lions  of  civil  life, 
and  fatal  to  the  very  exiftence  of  government 
and  order  !  I 

This  leads  me  to  obferve,  in  the  laft  place, 
that,  the  political  good  of  Free  Mafonry  isy 
alfo,  evilfpoken  of. 

In  vain  is  it  proved  that  the  primary  and 
elTential  laws  and  regulations  of  the  Frater- 
nity, require  of  the  members  allegiance  and 
fubmiffion  to  the  government  of  the  country 
in  which  they  live  ;  and  forbid,  in  the  moft 
pofitive  and  folemn  manner,  their  engaging 
in  any  plots,  confpiracies,  or  cabals.*    In  vain 

*  See  the  book  of  Conftitutions,  chap.  1.  Sei5t  2.  "  Of  Gov- 
cnm^cjit  and  the  Civil  Magiftrate." 


of  the  Injlitution*  14^ 

is  It  proved  that  in  all  ages  and  countries  the 
Free  Mafons  have  been  found  to  be  good  and 
peaceable  citizens,  the  friends  of  order  and 
public  tranquillity.  Prejudice  rejeds  all  evi- 
dence, and  is  deaf  to  every  plea.  Bribery 
and  corruption  fuborn  falfe  witneffes  againft 
the  inftitution.  Minifterial  jealoufy  commen- 
ces the  profecution,  and  a  ftate  penfion  pays 
the  fees.* 

Nay,  the  Free  Mafons  are  taxed  with  the 
plans  and  enormities  of  a  German  club,  with 
which  they  had  no  connedion  and  no  ac- 
quaintance :  and  whofe  principles  and  prac- 
tices are  diametrically  oppolite  to  theirs,  and 
acknowledged  to  be  fo  even  by  their  moft 
zealous  oppofer.f 

Thus,  my  hearers,  have  I  briefly  enumerat- 
ed the  popular  prejudices  of  the  prefent  day 
againft  Free  Mafonry.     I  need  not  attempt  a 

*  "  See  fcrlbblcrs  to  the  charge  by  intcrejl  led, 
The  fierce  North-Briton  thundering  at  their  head, 
pour  forth  i>»vc(SUvcs,  deaf  to  candor's  call, 
And,  injur'd  by  one  alien,  rail  at  all  !" 

Churchill, 

f  See  the  various  palTages  in  Mr.  Robison's  work  in  which  he 
inakes  an  abatement  iu  favor  of  the  EngUJh  Mafons  :  by  which  he 
jngenioudy  contrives,  while  criminating  tbs  "whole,  to  exculpate  a 
fart, 

K  2 


150  On  preferving  the  credit 

formal  confutation.  It  muft  be  apparent  to 
every  candid  examiner  that  they  are  illiberal 
and  unjuft.  Time  and  experience  will  fhew 
that  they  are  fo  ;  correct  the  miftakes  that 
are  now  entertained,  and  eflablifli  the  credit 
of  the  inftitution.  Its  pretenfions  will  appear 
to  be  well  founded.  Its  tendency  to  focial 
improvement,  to  moral  virtue,  and  to  politi- 
cal tranquillity,  will  be  feen  and  acknowledg- 
ed. And  it  will  emerge  brighter  and  fairer 
from  the  cloud  with  which  ignorance  and 
prejudice  feek  to  envelop  and  obfcure  it. 

In  the  mean  time,  my  brethren,  as  the 
world  will  have  fomething  to  fay  of  us,  it 
much  concerns  us  for  our  own  fakes  and  for 
the  inllitution's  fake  that  the  report  Ihould 
be  in  our  favor.  For  this  purpofe  let  us 
purfue  the  good  that  is  effential  to  the  order 
and  which  it  is  eminently  calculated  to  pro- 
duce. 

And  let  me  recommend  to  the  brethren, 
at  whofe  requeft  I  Hand  here,  that  difcreet 
behavior  as  men  and  as  mafons  which  Ihall 
filence  the  tongue  of  reproach,  remove  the 
fufpicions  of  prejudice,  and  fmooth  the  frown 


of  the  Injiitution.  1 5 1 

of  contempt  ;  which  fliall  not  only  fecure 
their  good  from  being  evil  fpoken  of,  but 
gain  it  the  trueft  praife. 

May  the  lodge  this  day  conftituted  main- 
tain a  high  credit  in  the  increafing  lifts  of 
Mafonry  !  May  its  benevolent  and  peaceful 
influence  difFufe  joy  and  gladnefs  over  thefe 
plains,  made  memorable  by  the  malTacre  of 
thofe  who  fell  nji6lims  of  tyranny^  but  martyrs 
TO  LIBERTY  !  From  the  fhuddering  recollec- 
tion of  that  horrid  fcene,  let  us  turn  to  the 
happy  contraft  this  day  prefents.  Here  are 
no  inftruments  of  deftruftion  ;  no  clangor  of 
battle ;  no  groans  of  flaughter  j  no  garments 
rolled  in  blood  :  only  the  emblems  of  love 
and  the  train  of  peace.  A  little  band  of 
brothers  celebrate  as  a  feftival  of  joy  the  day 
which  conjlituies  them  a  regular  fociety,  and 
confecrates  their  plans  and  purpofes  of  charity, 
focial  virtue,  and  happinefs.  May  thefe  plans 
and  purpofes  produce  the  moft  beneficial  ef- 
fects ;  evince  the  good  of  mafonry,  redeem 
its  credit  with  the  prejudiced,  and  eftablifh  it 
with  the  candid  !  And  may  the  fociety,  in 
every  part  of  the  world,  be  influential  in  dif- 


152  On  preferring  the  credit,  ^c. 

fufing  the  light  of  wifdom,  aiding  the  firenph 
of  reafon,  and  difplaying  the  beauty  of  virtue  ; 
in  leflening  the  aggregate  of  human  mifery 
and  vice,  and  in  extending  the  bounties  of 
charity  and  the  bleflings  of  peace  ! 


DISCOURSE  IX. 

ANSWER  TO  SOME  POPULAR  OBJECTIONS  70 

FREE    MASONRY. 


DISCOURSE  IX. 


Delivered  At  the  consecration  of  ST.  PAUUs  LODGE  lU 
GROTON,  August  9,  1797. 


EXODUS,  XVI.  15. 

«  AND  iVHEN  THE  CHILDREN  OF  ISRAEL  SAW  IT 
THEY  SAID  ONE  TO  ANOTHER,  IT  IS  MANNA,  FOR 
THEY  WIST  NOT  WHAT  IT  WAS.  AND  MOSES 
SAID  UNTO  THEM,  THIS  IS  THE  BREAD  WHICH 
THE  LORD  HATH  GIVEN  YOU  TO  EAT." 

1  HE  children  of  Ifrael,  in  their  travels 
through  the  deferts  of  Arabia  towards  the 
land  of  Canaan,  murmured  againft  Mofes 
and  againft  the  Lord  becaufe  the  fcanty  ftores 
they  brought  from  Egypt  were  nearly  ex- 
haufted,  and  they  were  ignorant  of  the 
means  for  a  new  recruit.  In  particular  they 
wanted  bread.  They  were  gratified  by  a 
miraculous  providential  fupply.    Bread  was 


156  Popular  obje^ions 

granted  them,  bread  from  heaven  !  myf- 
terious  in  its  origin  and  charadler,  but  highly 
agreeable  in  its  reliih,  falutary  in  its  nature 
and  nutritive  in  its  qualities. 

There  are  circumftances,  connected  with 
its  beftowment  and  reception,  deferving  our 
particular  notice  ;  and  the  fubjecl  will  lead 
to  fome  reflections  applicable  to  the  fociety 
on  whofe  account  we  affemble.  With  this 
view  I  propofe  the  following  method. 

1.  To  confider  what  notice  was  taken  by 
the  Ifraelites  of  the  proviiion  and  refrefh- 
ment,  divinely  furniihed  them  ; 

2.  Shew  what  it  really  was  ;  and 

3.  Apply  the  fubjeft  to  the  prefent  occa* 
fion,  by  inquiring  what  is  faid  of  Free  Ma/on- 
ry  by  thofe  who  know  not  what  it  is,  and  by 
defcribing  its  real  nature  and  charader. 

We  are,^r/2  then  to  confider  ivhat  notice  was 
taken  by  the  Ifraelites  of  the  provifion  and  refrejh- 
vient  furnijhed  them  by  afpecial  divine  providence 
in  the  deferis  of  Arabia. 

No  fooner  did  they  fee  it  than  they  cried  out 
one  to  another  *'  it  is  manna^  it  is  manna,  for 


conjidered  a?id  anfwercd*  tcj 

they  knew  not  what  it  was.'*  Whether  this 
was  an  exclamation  of  furprize,  a  queftion  of 
curiofity,  or  an  expreflion  of  contempt,  we 
Ihall  not  decide.  Critics  and  commentators 
feem  at  a  lofs  how  to  underhand  it.  One 
fays  it  is  this  and  another  ihat^  for  they  know 
not  what  it  is.*  However,  it  is  plain  enough 
that  7nanna,  let  it  mean  what  it  will,  was  not 
the  proper  definition  nor  defcription  of  the 
admirable  provifion.f  And  fo  Mofes  inform- 
ed them  by  telling  them,  "  this  is  the  bread 
which  the  Lord  hath  given  you  to  eat."  Not- 
withftanding,  they  perfifted  in  giving  their 
own  opinion  of  it,  though  they  were  unac- 
quainted both  with  its  name  and  nature.J 

*  vide  Poll  fynops.  criticorum,  in  loc. 

f  The  derivation  of  the  word  manna  is  varioufly  given  by  learn- 
ed men.  Philo  Judkus  and  Josephus  make  it  to  fignify  -what  h 
this  ?  and  fo  do  the  Ixx.  and  R.  Solomon,  R.  Menaciiem,  and 
others.  Accordingly  it  is  thus  tranflated  in  Matthew's,  the 
Geneva,  and  Do\rAY  verfions.  It  is  fo  rendered,  alfo,  by  the 
celebrated  Dr.  Geddes.  But  Coverdale  renders  it  "Ms  is 
mans ;"  our  tranflation  "  it  is  manna"  and  others,  "  it  is  a  portion" 
The  declaration  that  «  they  knew  not  what  it  was,"  and  the  re- 
ply of  MosEs,  would  lead  one  to  fuppofe  that  the  phrafe  before 
was  a  quejiicn.  Our  only  furprize  is  that  it  fhould  afterwards  paf$ 
into  a  defcriptive  name.  Thus  loe  ufc  a  very  vulgar  phrafe  in 
fpcaking  of  fomcthing  of  which  we  have  forgotten  the  name,  and 
fay  "  the  -what  do  you  call  it" 

J  Compare  Dcut.  viii.  3.  where  Mofcs  cxprcfsly  affcrts  their  <«- 
l»«  ignorance  0/  it. 


V 


158  Popular  cbjeBiom 

What  a  ftrange  contradiftion  !  But  not 
ftranger  than  all  are  likely  to  fall  into  who 
pretend  to  decide  upon  matters  which  they 
do  not  underftand.  "  They  faid  one  to 
another  it  is  manna  ;"  and  manna  it  has  been 
called  ever  fmce.  It  is  no  eafy  matter  to  al- 
ter names.  When  people  misjudge  at  firft, 
it  is  very  difficult  to  redlify  their  opinion. 
Ignorance  is  blind  and  perverfe  ;  prejudice  is 
politive  and  obftinate.  What  is  mifconceived 
and  mifapplied  feldom  afterwards  retrieves 
its  real  eftimation.  Men  are  apt  to  judge  at 
large,  refleft  at  random  and  condemn  at  a 
venture  ;  without  waiting  for  a  patient  ex- 
amination or  fatisfaclory  evidence.  Now, 
nothing  can  be  more  contrary  both  to  equity 
and  found  reafon  than  fuch  precipitate  judg- 
ments. Thofe  who  build  opinions  upon  con- 
jectures muft  often  be  in  the  wrong.  They 
may  make  grofs  blunders,  and  do  great  injuf- 
tice.  The  apoftle  Jude  gives  fuch  a  rebuke  : 
"  Thefe,  fays  he,  fpeak  evil  of  the  things  they 
know  not."  It  has  been  the  practice  of  vul- 
gar ignorance  to  abufe  what  it  could  not  com- 
prehend J  and  to  alTert  that  there  muft  be 


confidered  and  anfwered,  1 59 

faults,  where  it  had  not  the  fagacity  to  dif- 
cover  excellence.* 

II.  But  I  proceed  to  inquire  what  this  won* 
derful  provijion  really  was,  about  which  they  were 
Jo  ignorant. 

That  there  fhould  no  doubt  remain  in  the 
minds  of  thofe  to  whom  it  was  fent,  Mofes 
informed  them  that  it  was  the  bread  which  the 
Lord  had  given  them  to  eat.  In  like  manner 
David  calls  it  "  the  corn  of  heaven,"  and 
"  angels*  food."t  The  Scripture  defcribes 
particularly  its  appearance  and  properties, 
and  mentions  its  coming  down  with  the 
dew  ;  alike  the  gift  of  refrefhment  from 
above.  And  it  retains  ftill  its  fame  in  the 
Eaft,   being   called   "  celeftial  fweetmeat."| 

*  "  Trifles  light  as  air,"  often  tried  in  the  balance  and  found 
wanting,  fink  as  deeply  in  unfurniflied  minds,  and  make  as  much 
impreffion  there,  as  difficulties  of  a  weightier  nature  ;  like  feath- 
ers defcending  in  a  void  with  a  force  and  velocity  equal  to  that 
of  much  more  fubftantial  and  mafl'y  bodies." 

Seed. 

f  Pfal.  Ixxviii.  24,  25.    See  alfo  its  true  name  in  Nehemlah  ix.  15. 

if  "  Les  orientaux  appellcnt  la  manne  qui  tomba  aux  Hcbreux 
dans  le  Defert,  la  Dragee  ou  Confiture  de  la  Toute  Puiflance,  te 
que  les  Arabes  fignifient  par  Haluat  al  Kodrat,  et  les  Tur9s  par 
Kodret  Kalvafi."  Herbei.ot,  bibllcth.  Orientah.  The  Greeks  call- 
ed it  aeromeli,  aerial  lo>u-y.     Atuzn.  1,  i:,  and  Dies.  Hi.  2.  caf.  loi. 


i6o  Popular  objeilions 

Nor  can  there  be  any  propriety  in  denying 
to  the  gift  its  real  charadler  and  intrinlic 
value,  becaufe  its  appearance  was  not  prepof. 
fefling.  It  is  fufficient  that  its  origin  was 
divine^  and  its  ufes  excellent.  If  this  could  not 
recommend  it,  we  may  exped  that  the  beft 
things  and  richeft  bleffings  will  be  treated 
with  negled  or  fpurned  with  contempt. 

That  it  pojfejfed  remarkably  palatable  and  nu- 
tritive  qualities  is  evident  both  from  the  di- 
vine delign  of  its  beftowment,  and  from  its 
ufe.  The  author  of  the  book  of  Wifdom 
fays  that  it  fo  accommodated  itfelf  to  every 
one's  tafle  as  to  prove  agreeable  to  all.  His 
words  are,  "thou  feddeft  thine  own  people 
with  angels  food,  and  didft  fend  them  from 
heaven  bread  prepared  without  their  labor  ; 
able  to  content  every  man's  delight,  and 
agreeing  to  every  tafte.  For  thy  fuften- 
ance  declared  thy  fweetnefs  unto  thy  chil- 
dren, and,  ferving  to  the  appetite  of  the  eat- 
er, tempered  itfelf  to  every  man's  liking."* 

From  modern  famples  of  this  fubftance,  as 
it  is  gathered  in  the  Eaft,  we  perceive  that  it 

*  Wifdom  xvL  20,  it. 


conftdered  and  anfwered,  1 6  f 

has  the  appearance  of  condenfed  honey,  and 
a  tafte  of  agreeable  fweetnefs.  A  late  cele- 
brated traveller  into  Arabia  fays,  "it  is  ufed 
jjow  as  fugar  in  feveral  difhes  ;  it  is  nourifli- 
ing,  and  when  newly  gathered  has  no  purga- 
tive qualities."*  Its  medicinal  ejOfeds  are 
probably  occafioned  by  its  being  left  fome 
time  ;  in  confequence  of  which  it  ferments 
in  a  degree,  becomes  candied,  and  iofes  its 
relifhing  tafte  and  nutritive  properties.  To 
the  Ifraelites,  who  were  obliged  to  confume, 
each  day,  their  given  portion,  it  afforded  an 
agreeable,  nouriftiing,  wholeiome  repaft  ; 
and  was  their  principal  aliment  during  a  pe- 
riod of  forty  years.  Though  liable  to  cor- 
ruption, it  did  not  become  bad  unlefs  im- 
properly ufed  or  unlawfully  abufed.f  And 
the  beft  things  are  perverted  and  debafed  by 
ill  ufage. 

It  is  alfo  worthy  of  remark  that  it  had 
tnoral    tendencies.     It   was   pjranted   in   daily 

*  NiEBUHR,v.  2.  p.  362  of  the  tranjlatlon,  and  Father  PiNOLo,  de- 
fcribing  that  of  California  which  falls  as  is  fuppofed  with  the  dew, 
fays,  that,  without  the  whitenefs  of  refined  fugar,  it  has  all  its 
fweetnefs. 

\  Exod.  xvi.  ao. 


1 62  •  Popular  objeillons 

fhowfers,  that  they  might  be  kept  in  a  coti* 
tinual  thankful  dependence  upon  divine 
providence.  It  was  in  fuch  fmall  grains,  and 
was  fo  fcattered,  that  they  were  obliged  early 
and  feafonably  to  begin  their  work  of  col- 
lecting it,  or  they  would  fail  of  a  fupply. 
Thus  were  they  taught  indujiry  ;  and  learned 
that  their  own  endeavors  were  to  be  united 
to  the  afliftance  and  to  co-operate  with  the 
grace  of  God.  And  a  double  portion  on  the 
laft  day  of  the  week,  and  its  non-appearance 
on  the  fabbath,  gave  them  a  very  ftriking 
intimation  that  the  inftitution  of  a  day  of 
actual  reft  from  labor  was  to  be  religioufly 
and  devoutly  obferved. 

The  manner  too  in  which  it  was  diftribut- 
ed  was  admirably  calculated  to  excite  and 
encourage  a  fpirit  of  liberality  and  gemrojify,  a 
willingnefs  to  impart  to  thofe  whofe  induftry 
had  been  lefs  fuccefsful,  or  who  'were  unable 
to  gather  for  themfelves  :  for  in  meafuring 
their  refpeclive  gatherings  before  they  went 
to  their  tents,  thofe  who  had  collected  a 
greater  quantity  than  fufficed  for  their  imme- 
diate need  or  ufe  freely  gave  the  overplus  to 
thofe  who  had  not  enough.    ^  So  that  he 


confidered  and  anfwered,  1 63 

-who  gathered  much  had  nothing  over,  and 
he  that  gathered  little  had  no  lack.'*  In 
this  fenfe  the  words  are  underflood  by  the 
Apoftle.  2  Cor.  viii.  14,  15.  who  ufes  the 
palTage  as  an  apt  illuftration  of  his  moft  ex- 
cellent argument  for  that  happy  equality,  in 
the  diftribution  of  the  good  things  of  this 
life,  which  our  mutual  relation  to  each  oth- 
er and  particular  exigencies  may  require  j 
that  he  who  abounds  fliould  willingly  im- 
part of  his  fuperfluity,  fo  that  he  who  is  def- 
titute  may  obtain  a  competent  fupply. 

It  would  be  eafy  to  point  out  the  very 
ftriking  refemblance  which  free  masonry 
bears  to  the  rnoral  qualities  and  purpofes  here 
enumerated  ;  but  it  is  too  obvious  to  need  a 
more  particular  reference.  I  fliall,  therefore, 
go  on  to  make  one  more  remark,  in  which 
the  analogy  is  alfo  apparent. 

After  all,  there  were  fome  things  in  the  na- 
ture of  this  heavenly  provifton  ivhich  could  not  eafi- 
ly  he  accounted  for.  Where  it  was  prepared^ 
and  how  it  was  made,  they  could  not  tell. 
There  they  were  in  the  dark.  Why  the 
fame  fubftance  which  melted  and  evaporated 
in  the  heat  of  the  fun  when  it  was  left  expof- 


164  Popular  objeBions 

cd  in  the  field,  ihould,  only  upon  being 
brought  into  the  tent,  become  of  fo  condenf- 
ed  a  confiftence  that  it  might  be  beaten  to 
powder  in  a  mortar  or  ground  in  a  mill,  and 
baked  in  an  oven,*  was  beyond  their  com- 
prehenfion.  And  why  it  fhould  be  endued 
with  fuch  a  religious  reference  to  the  obfer- 
vation  of  the  fabbath  that  none  fell  on  that 
day,  and  a  double  quantity  the  day  before, 
was  a  circumftance  that  excited  their  fur- 
prife.  Surprife  fometimes  degenerates  into 
ftupidity.  Oftener  than  once  they  defpifed 
and  loathed  this  miraculous  and  delicious 
provilion. 

Such  is  the  pride  of  the  human  underftand- 
ing  that  it  has  no  great  opinion  of  that  which 
it  cannot  fully  comprehend.  Whatever  has 
any  thing  of  myftery  in  it  is  very  likely  to 
be  flighted.  Though  it  poflefs  all  the  char- 
acters of  excellence,  and  all  the  recommend- 
ations of  utility,  yet  if  it  elude  inveftigation 
and  have  fome  fecret  qualities  "  paft  finding 
out,"  doubts  will  be  immediately  entertain-; 
ed  whether  it  be  "  worthy  of  all  accepta- 
tion ;"   and    opinions  propagated  tending 

*  Numb.  li.  9. 


conftdered  and  anfwered,  165 

to  leffen  its  charad:er  and  deny  its  import- 
ance. This  was  the  cafe  with  regard  to  the 
heavenly  refrefliment  furnifhed  in  the  wil- 
dernefs  to  the  Ifraelites.  They  valued  it  not 
becaufe  they  lacked  "  the  onions,  the  leeks, 
and  garlicks  of  Egypt."  Hear  their  difcon- 
tented  fneers  !  "  But  now  our  foul  is  dried 
away  ;  there  is  nothing  at  all,  befides  this 
manna,  before  our  eyes."*  A  like  fpirit  of 
difapprobation  and  rejediion  the  fame  nation 
difcovered  of  God*s  moft  precious  gift.  They 
murmured  at  Jesus  becaufe  he  faid,  "  your 
fathers  did  eat  manna  in  the  wildernefs  and 
are  dead.  I  am  that  bread  of  life  which 
Cometh  down  from  Heaven,  of  which  if  a 
man  eat  he  fliall  live  forever."!  They  reject- 
ed the  Meffiah  before  they  adverted  to  the 
divine  authority  of  his  credentials.  This, 
and  the  former  circumilance  with  which  it 
was  compared,  could  be  only  from  preju- 
dice :  for  prejudice  is  a  judgment  formed 
before  hand  without  examination.  How 
unreafonable  and  unjuft  muft  fuch  ajudo-- 

*  Numb.  xvi.  6. 

t  Johnvi.  4r.  ?i. 
L  2 


1 66  Popular  ohjeSlwm 

ment  be  !*  And  how  great  a  bar  to  all  after 
information  !  For,  if  the  mind  be  warped  by 
V  prepoffeffions,  free  inquiry  into  the  merits  of 
a  caufe  is  prevented.  Prejudice  reftrains  all 
candid  interpretations  of  motives  or  princi- 
ples. It  difcolors  every  qbje^l  ;  or  repre- 
fents  it  in  a  falfe  light.  It  leads  to  a  deci- 
sion equally  ungenerous  and  unfair  ;  for  it 
often  prefumes  to  confider  the  moft  flight 
and  frivolous  circumftances  as  fatisfaftory 
materials  for  confident  affertion  and  decifive 
fentence.  It  is  the  immediate  and  copious 
fource  of  evil  furmifes  and  unkind  fufpicions. 
It  gives  rife  to  a  caviling  cenforioufnefs, 
mean  infinuations,  and  farcaflic  fneers. — 
Wherever  there  is  a  fecret  bias  of  mind 
previoufly  formed,  it  will  catch  readily  at 
every  little  incident  and  appearance  to  in- 
creafe  its  own  propenfion  :  and  turn  every 
current  of  obfervation  into  its  own  corrupt 
channel.  It  perverts  and  mifreprefents  the 
very  beft  things  :  turns  honor  into  difgrace, 
merit  into  mifchief,  chriftianity  into  fuperfti^ 
tion,  and  virtue  into  vice. 

*  "  Qui  ftatuit  aliquid,  parte  inaudita  altera, 
^quum  licet  ftatuerit,  haud  sequus  erit." 

Seneca  in  Afidea-. 


conftdered  and  anjiuered*  i  ^-j 

Cautioned  and  inftrucled  by  our  fubje6r, 
and  the  remarks  which  it  has  fuggefted,  let 
us  not,  MY  HEARERS,  form  our  opinion  either 
of  perfons  or  things  too  haftily  ;  and  never 
proceed  upon  furmifes  and  precarious  con- 
jeftures.  There  is  danger  in  making  up  a 
precipitate  judgment.  Hafty  conclufions  arc 
the  chief  caufe  of  all  our  miftakes  and  er- 
rors. Let  us  not  forget  to  examine  before 
we  judge  ;  and  to  underfland  before  we 
decide.  To  ridicule  things  we  never  took 
pains  to  inquire  into,  would  be  unfair.  To 
condemn  practices,  the  grounds  and  founda- 
tion of  which  we  never  examined  and  know 
nothing  about,  would  be  unjuft  and  cruel. 
A  difcreet  perfon  will  avoid  being  preremp- 
tory  in  his  remarks,  and  decline  hazard- 
ing an  opinion  upon  that  of  which  he  is 
either  totally  ignorant,  or  but  partially  in- 
formed. He  follows  the  prudent  counfel  of 
the  antient  wife  man  j  "  blame  not  before 
thou  haft  examined  the  truth.  Underfland 
fjrft,  a,nd  then  rebuke.  Anfwer  not  before 
thou  haft  heard  the  caufe  ;  and  ftrive  not  in 
a  matter  that  concerneth  thee  not."  "He  that 
anfwereth  a  matter  before  he  heareth  it,  it  is 


jC8  Popular  objeclms 

folly  and  fliame  unto  him.*'  Upon  the  f^me 
principle  of  equity  is  that  maxim  in  common 
law,  "  every  man  is  prefumed  to  be  inno- 
cent till  he  is  proved  to  be  guilty."  No  one 
is  to  be  arraigned  without  evidence,  nor  con- 
demned before  he  has  made  his  plea  of  de- 
fence. Verdict  is  never  paffed  upon  a  caufe 
unheard. 

It  is  a  good  rule  in  all  doubtful  matters 
to  fufpend  our  opinion,  at  leaft  till  pofitive 
proof  is  obtained  on  which  to  found  it.  Un- 
til we  have  fully  afcertained  the  real  ftate  of 
the  cafe,  let  us  always  be  willing  to  put  the 
faireft  conftru6lion  it  will  admit  ;  and  even 
to  hope  the  beft  of  a  thing  where  appearances 
are  againft  it.  Where  doubt  hefitates,  let  can- 
dor prompt  ;  and  where  jujlice  balances,  let 
mercy  prevail.  Even  where  we  find  ourfelves 
obliged  to  blame  the  principles  of  a  certain 
feft  or  party,  let  us  not  be  fo  uncharitable  as 
to  confound  all  its  adherents  and  followers 
under  one  general  indifcriminate  cenfure. 
Efpecially  let  us  not  charge  them  with  fuch 
confequences  of  their  tenets  as  they  difavow. 

Lastly  :  where  we  know  but  in  part, 
and  fee  but  in  part,  we  will  have  the  mod- 


conjidered  and  anfwered*  \  6g 

efty  not  to  prefume  to  decide  upon  the 
whole.  Carefully  will  we  avoid  all  prejudice;, 
and  all  afperity  of  opinion.  We  will  be  kind 
and  liberal  both  in  fentiment  and  conduct  \ 
encourage  in  ourfelves  and  approve  in  others 
whatever  tends  to  promote  the  interefts  of 
mankind  and  contribute  to  the  refrefliment 
of  life  ;  and  will  humbly  hope  by  the  exer- 
cife  of  amiable  difpolitions  and  beneficent 
actions  towards  each  other,  fanclified  and 
perfected  by  piety  towards  God,  to  become 
prepared  for  that  glorious  fociety  on  high, 
where  we  fliall  be  permitted  to  eat  of  the 
HIDDEN  MANNA,  and  houorcd  alfo  with  the 
poffefiion  of  the  white  stone  in  which  is 
the  new  and  myfterious  name  written  which 
no  man  knoweth  faving  he  that  receiveth  it.* 

I  HAVE  dwelt  the  longer  upon  this  part  of 
the  fubjed  becaufe  from  prejudice^  as  well  as 
from  ignorance i  arife  moft  of  the  objedions 
againft  free  masonry,  and  all  the  mifrepre- 
fentations  of  its  principles  and  practices.!  As 

*  Revelations  u.  17. 

f  "  Of  all  fociities,  ancient  or  modern,  the  mofl:  worthy  and 
rcfpcdtable  is  the  order  of  Free  Mafons,  which  fociety  has  been 
rendered  very  famous  and  fpread  themfclvcs  with  inconceivable 


17©  Popular  ohjeBions 

the  origin  of  fuch  dillike  to  our  inftitution 
is  fo  well  known,  it  might  be  deemed  paying 
too  great  refped  to  its  cavils  to  take  any  no- 
tice of  them  at  all.  In  general  it  is  beft  to 
defpife  the  invedives  of  calumny  and  fmile  at 
the  impotence  of  malice  ;  to  difdain  tak- 
ing any  notice  of  groundlefs  furmifes  ;  and 
not  to  give  ourfelves  the  trouble  of  liftening 
to  the  queries  of  the  ignorant,  or  of  confut- 
ing the  opinions  of  the  prejudiced  and  cap- 
tious. But  left  it  fhould  be  thought  that  we 
are  delirous  of  evading  an  anfwer  from  an 
inability  to  vindicate,  we  fhall  now  conde- 
fcend,  as  was  propofed, 

III.  To  inquire  what  is /aid  of  tree  masonry 
by  thoje  who  "  know  not  what  it  is" 

The  opinion  of  the  initiated  is  well  known. 
They  all  unite  in  commending  the  fociety 
with  a  warmth  that  borders  upon  enthufi-. 
afm.  They  difcover  an  attachment  to  it,  at 
which  ig7iorance  wonders  and  prejudice  fneers. 

celerity  into  every  corner  of  the  world  where  arts  and  learning 
have  found  a  name.  But  their  worth  has  alfo  raifed  them  up  ma- 
ny enemies,  who  are  the  lefs  to  be  pardoned,  as  the  only  motive 
of  their  intemperate  rancor  is  their  ignorance."  See  the  Apology 
far  the  Free  Mafons,  occafioned  by  their  ferfecution  in  the  CarJon  of 
Biriie.     7ranjl,ited from  the  French.     Frankfort,  1 748.  lima 


confidend  and  anfwered,  1 7  j 

.One  of  the  moft  frequent  objedions  urged 
againft  free  masonry,  is  ^' the  profound fecrecy 
ohferved  upon  certain  parts  of  the  injiitution.**  It 
is  queried  how  it  is  conliftent  with  thofe 
principles  of  good  will  we  profefs,  to  conceal 
any  thing  from  the  world.  We  anfwer,  that 
the  principles  and  privileges  of  the  inftitution 
are  open  to  all  fuch  as  are  qualified  to  receive 
them  :  but  of  thefe  qualifications  we  muft 
referve  the  power  of  judging  for  ourfelves.* 
To  the  wife  and  virtuous  the  arcana  of  the 
craft,  imder  proper  fanctions,  are  freely  com- 
municated. But  to  reveal  them  to  the  igno- 
rant and  vicious,  would  be  proftituting  their 
purpofe  and  profaning  their  fandity.  To  di- 
vulge them  in  common,  would  be  to  annihil- 
ate the  fociety  :  becaufe  they  are  its  diftin- 
guifhing  features,  the  characleriftics  of  the 
order,   and  the  means  of  its   prefervation. 

fxev  roig  ^etvjXoig  ra?  ay^areiTTra^ixivccg  rovrotg  fV/- 
votug  \j.Vi  'ujcc^ciyvij.vcvvruvy  «iAA'  iv  ei^ei  y^v^ov 
zy^oaxTvixovvruv.  Toig  ^e  eiro^liMcare^oig  'aui  uvxhtO' 
^wv  evrog,  t-^  %v^(po^ca  tcov  0'jrci)V  Kci(ji,'rcih,  (fiuvtare- 
gov  TiXovvruv.  Taro  It  nui  vifJ^iv,  h{x.£vici  {isv  elv\  ruv 
f ijvj/xfvwv,  rci  iJ.vgiKi')T£^ci  Se  "«ffV]1w  a-iyvi  TfTz/xvi^Sa'." 

Heliodorus,  ^thkp.  lib.  ix.  p.  4^4.  edit.  1619. 


172  '    Popular  objeBions 

Without  them,  therefore,  it  could  not  fub- 
fift.  Befides,  were  all  men  acquainted  with 
them,  without  regard  to  feled:ion  or  defert, 
the  peculiar  obligation  to  good  ojices  arifing  from 
the  inftitution  would  revert  back  to  the  gent 
eral  duty  of  all  mankind,  and  be  fubjecl  to  all 
thofe  dcdudions  it  now  meets  with  in  the 
world  at  large,  and  againft  which  it  is  our 
endeavor  to  guard. 

However,  to  have  fecrets  is  not  peculiar 
to  FREE  MASONRY.  Evcry  trade,  every  art, 
and  every  occupation,  has  its  fecrets,  not  to 
be  communicated  but  to  fuch  as  have  become 
proficients  in  the  fcience  connected  with 
them,  nor  then  but  with  proper  caution  and 
reftriflion  j  and  often  times  under  the  guard 
of  heavy  penalties.  Charters  of  incorpora- 
tion are  granted  by  civil  governments  for 
their  greater  fecurity,  and  patents  for  their 
encouragement.  Nay  every  government, 
every  ftatefman,  and  every  individual,  has 
fecrets,  which  are  concealed  with  prudent 
care,  and  confided  only  in  the  trufty  and 
true. 


eonjidered  and  anfwered,  173 

We  only  claim  a  like  indulgence  ;  "  that 
of  condu<5ting  ourfelves  by  our  own  rules, 
and  of  admitting  to  a  participation  of  our 
lecrets  and  privileges  fuch  as  choofe  to  apply 
for  them  upon  our  own  terms.  So  far  from 
wilhirig  to  deprive  any  one  of  the  light  we 
enjoy,  we  fincerely  wilh  all  the  race  of  men 
were  qualified  to  receive  it  ;  and  if  fo,  our 
doors  fhall  never  be  fliut  againft  them,  but 
our  lodge,  our  hearts  and  fouls,  fhall  be  open 
to  their  reception."* 

Nothing  more  furely,  need  be  faid  in 
apology  for  the  myftery  and  concealment 
FREE  MASONS  profefs.  I  wiU  proceed  to  an- 
other objedion  allied  to  the  foregoing,  which 
ignorance  alfo  has  fujrmifed  and  prejudice  prop*- 
agated. 

It  is  pretented  that  "  all  who  are  initiated 
■mujifwear  to  conceal  certain  fecrets  before  they  are 
communicated  to  them,  or  they  have  it  in  their 
power  to  examine  their  nature  and  tendency  :  and 
that  this  pradice  is  unlawful."  There  would 
be  fome  force  in  this  obje<^ion  were  the  obli* 

•  Rev.  J.  Mc  Conochie's  fcrmon  before  the  Fraternity  at 
?cnrith,  1796.    p.  2%. 


174  Popular  ohjedions 

gation  in  itfelf  iHnmoral,  or  the  communica- 
tions and  requirements  incompatible  with  the 
great  laws  of  religion  or  civil  fociety  :  the 
very  reverfe  of  which  is  the  cafe. 

What  the  ignorant  call  "  the  oath"  is 
fimply  an  obligation,  covenant,  and  promife, 
exa£led  previoufly  to  the  divulging  of  the  fpe- 
cialties  of  the  order,  and  our  means  of  recog- 
nizing each  other  ;  that  they  fliall  be  kept 
from  the  knowledge  of  the  world,  left  their 
original  intent  fhould  be  thwarted  and  their 
benevolent  purport  prevented.  Now  pray 
what  harm  is  there  in  this  ?  Do  you  not  all, 
when  you  have  any  thing  of  a  private  nature 
which  you  are  willing  to  confide  in  a  partic- 
ular friend  before  you  tell  him  ivhat  it  is,  de- 
mand a  folemn  promife  of  fecrecy  ?  And,  is 
there  not  the  utmoft  propriety  in  knowing 
whether  your  friend  is  determined  to  con- 
ceal your  fecret  before  you  prefume  to  reveal 
it  ?  Your  anfwer  confutes  your  cavil. 

It  is  further  urged  againft  free  masons 
that  "  Their  fociety  is  not  founded  on  univerfal 
benevolence,  becaufe  they  oblige  themfehes  to  be 
hindejl  and  mofi  generous  to  their  own  members** 


conjldered  and  anfwercd.  1 7^ 

That  our  firft  and  choiceft  fervices  are  paid 
to  our  brethren,  is  true  ;  but  then  we  think 
it  would  be  the  greateft  injuftice  if  it  were 
otherwife.  Certainly  a  difference  ought  to 
be  made  between  thofe  who  have  a  claim 
upon  our  afliftance  and  charity,  and  thofe 
who  have  not.  As  our  benevolence  can  reach 
only  a  few  of  the  infinite  number  that  need 
comfort  and  fupport,  fome  difcrimination  is 
neceffary  :  and  what  more  proper  than  to 
give  a  preference  to  thofe  who  are  allied  to 
us  by  the  ftrid  bands  of  brotherhood  and 
affeclion  ?  So  the  apoftle  exhorts  the  chrift- 
ians  to  do  good  as  they  have  opportunity  to 
all  men  ;  but  enjoins  their  fpecial  and  diftin- 
guifhing  regards  to  fuch  as  are  of  the  houfe- 
hold  of  faith.* 

Yet  though  we  give  a  decided  preference 
to  fuch  as  have  been  tried,  and  proved,  and 
found  to  be  worthy  ;  and  have,  in  confe- 
quence,  been  made  members  of  the  ma- 
fonic  family  j  we  are  known  to  profefs  and 
pradlife  charity  unconfined  and  liberality  un- 
limited, and  to  comprehend  in  the  wide  cir- 
cle of  our  benevolence  the  whole  human  race. 

*  Galat.  vi.  lO. 


lyS  Popular  ohje^ions 

It  is,  alfo,  frequently  argued  againft  free 
MASONRY  that  ^^fome  of  thofe  who  belong  to  it 
are  intemperate,  projligate,  and  vicious**  But 
nothing  can  be  more  unfair  or  unjuft  than  to 
depreciate  or  condemn  any  inftitution,  good 
in  itfelf,  on  account  of  the  faults  of  thofe 
who  pretend  to  adhere  to  it.  The  abufe  of  a 
thing  is  no  valid  objedion  to  its  inherent 
goodnefs.  Worthlefs  characters  are  to  be 
found,  occafionally,  in  the  very  beft  inftitu- 
tions  upon  earth.  "  If  the  unworthinefs  of 
a  profeffor  cafts  a  reflection  upon  the  profef- 
fion,  it  may  be  infered,  by  parity  of  reafon, 
that  the  mifcondudl  of  a  chriftian  is  an  argu- 
ment againft  chriftianity.  But  this,  is  a  con- 
clulion  which,  I  prefume,  no  man  will  allow ; 
and  yet  it  is  no  more  than  what  he  muft  fub- 
fcribe  who  is  fo  unreafonable  as  to  infift  on 
the  other."*  Nor  is  it  any  evidence  that 
civil  laws  and  political  inftitutions  are  hurt-, 
ful  or  unferviceable  becaufe  there  are  corrupt 
citizens  and  diforderly  members  of  a  com- 
munity. 

The  fact  is,  the  beft  things  may  be  abufed. 
The  bread  of  heaven  grew  corrupt  when  ufed 

*  See  the  excellent  fermon  of  the  Rev.  Brother  Brockwell, 
preached  at  Eofiop,  1749. 


confidered  and  anfiuered,  177 

indifcreetly.  The  common  bleflings  of  lif^ 
are  turned  into  curfes  if  mifappliecL 

.  When  you  fee  bafe  and  unworthy  men 
among  the  free  masons,  depend  upon  it, 
the  fault  is  not  in  the  inftitution,  but  in 
themfelves.  They  have  deviated  from  the 
principles  of  the  craft.  They  have  counter- 
aded  their  profeffion,  and  are  as  bad  mafons 
as  men. 

The  greateft  precautions  are  ufed  to  pre- 
vent the  admiflion  of  unworthy  charafters. 
If  from  want  of  proper  information,  or  from 
too  charitable  conilrudions,  fuch  are  intro- 
duced, we  deeply  regret  the  miftake,  and  ufe 
every  proper  method  to  remedy  the  evil. 

Nor  do  we  pretend  to  fay  that  thofe  only 
in  whom  we  were  deceived  bring  difcredit 
on  the  inftitution.  There  may  be  in  mafon- 
ry,  as  there  has  been  in  chriftianity,  a  falling 
away,  or  a  fading  in  the  once  famed  good- 
nefs  of  many  of  its  members.*  Some  there 
are  who  have  been  admitted  with  the  beil 
proofs  of  a  good,  a  faithful,  and  a  well  fub- 

•  Rev.  J.  Invtood's  fcrm.  at  D.u-tfcrd,  G.  B.  1796. 
M 


178  Popular  ohje6iions 

ftantiated  charader.  Their  name  was  beau- 
ty, and  their  adions  praife.  Their  families 
were  happy,  their  neighborhood  fatisfied, 
and  the  community  honored,  by  their  vir- 
tues and  their  worth  :  and  mafonry  itfelf 
boafted  the  uprightnefs,  conftancy,  and  in- 
tegrity with  which  they  were  diftinguifhed. 
But  now,  alas  !  all,  perhaps,  havereafon  to 
lament,  "  that  the  fine  gold  is  become  dim, 
and  the  moft  pure  gold  changed." 

Such  defection,  you  muft  be  fenfible,  are 
not  unfrequent  in  all  focieties  :  for,  in  this 
fallen  world,  focieties  are  formed  of  men  ; 
and  men  are  fallible,  imperfect,  frail.  But 
whether  fuch  difafters,  fuch  apoftacy,  fhould 
reafonbly  difgrace  the  inftitution,  or  be 
thought  proofs  of  its  immorality,  judge  ye  : 
but  "  judge  righteous  judgment." 

We  do  not  hefitate  to  appeal  to  the  world 
in  juflification  of  the  purity  of  our  moral 
fyftem.  Our  conjlitut'wns  are  well  known. 
We  have  fubmitted  them  freely  to  general 
inveftigation.  We  folemnly  avouch  them  as 
the  principles  by  which  we  are  governed,  the 


conftdered  and  anfivered.  179 

foundation  on  which  we  build,  and  the  ruleg 
by  which  we  work.  We  challenge  the  moft 
fevere  critic,  the  moft  precife  moralift,  the 
moft  perfeA  chriftian,  to  point  out  any  thing 
in  them  inconliftent  with  good  manners,  fair 
morals,  or  pure  religion.  We  feel  aftured 
that  every  one  who  will  take  pains  to  confult 
the  book  muft  be  convinced  that  the  inftitu- 
tion  is  friendly  to  the  beft  interefts  of  man^ 
kind,  well  calculated  to  meliorate  the  difpofi- 
tion  and  improve  the  charader,  and  to  adorn 
its  faithful  adherents  with  every  natural,  fo- 
cial  and  moral  virtue. 

I  IV.  This  remark  'leads  me  to  Ihew  as  I 
propofed,  in  the  laft  place,  what  free  mason- 
ry really  is, 

I  It  is  a  moral  order  of  enlightened  men, 
founded  on  a  fublime,  rational,  and  manly 
PIETY,  and  pure  and  a<5live  virtue  ;  with 
the  praife-worthy  delign  of  recalling  to  our 
remembrance  the  moft  interefting  truths  in 
the  midft  of  the  moft  fociable  and  innocent 
pleafures,*  and  of  promoting,  without  often- 

• "  mifcuit  utile  dulci, 

— — dckdtando,  paritcrque  monendo."  Horace, 


i8o  Fspular  objcd:ions 

tation,  or  hope  of  reward,  the  moft  diffiifivd 
BENEVOLENCE,  the  Hioft  gencrous  and  exten- 
live  PHILANTHROPY,  and  the  moft  warm  and 
affediionate  brotherly  love.  The  mem-^ 
bers  are  united  together  by  particular  obli^ 
gations,  and  acquainted  by  certain^zg^j  and 
tokens  preferved  with  inviolable  fecrecy,  from 
remoteft  ages.  Thefe  were  originally  adopt- 
ed in  order  to  diflinguifh  one  another  with 
cafe  and  certainty  from  the  reft  of  the 
world ;  that  impoftors  might  not  intrude 
upon  their  confidence  and  brotherly  affec- 
tion, nor  intercept  the  fruits  of  their  benefi- 
cence. They  become  an  univerfal  language, 
which,  "  notwithftanding  the  confufion  of 
foreign  tongues,  and  the  forbidding  aliena- 
tion of  cuftom,  draws  from  the  heart  of  a 
ftranger  the  acknowledgment  of  a  brother, 
with  all  its  attendant  endearments." 

The  decorations  and  fymhols  of  the  craft 
which  are  thofe  of  a  very  common  and  ufe- 
ful  art,*  and  the  phrafeology,  which  is  bor- 
rowed from  its  higher  orders,  ferve  to  char- 
acterize an  inftitution  which  might  juftly 
claim  more  noble  devices  j  and  at  the  fame 

*  Architecture. 


covfidercd  and  anfwercd.  1 8>  \ 

time  are  ufed  either  as  emblems  or  indica- 
tions of  the   fimpleft  and   moft   important 

MORAL  TRUTHS. 

It  colle<fts  men  of  all  nations  and  opinions 
into  one  amiable  and  permanent  affociation, 
and  binds  them  by  new  and  irrefragable 
obligations  to  the  difcharge  of  every  relative 
and  moral  duty  :  and  thus  becomes  the  moft 
effeduai  lup.^ort  and  brighteft  ornament  of 
ibcial  life,  aad  opens  a  wider  channel  for  the 
current  or  benevolent  atfeftions,  and  a  new 
fource  to  human  happinefs. 

Its  laws  are  reason,  and  equity  ;  its 
principles^  benevolence,  and  love;  and  its 
religion,  purity  and  truth.  Its  intention  is 
PEACE   ON   EARTH  ',  and  its  difpofition,  good 

will  TOWARDS   MEN. 

"I  THINK  (fays  a  fine  writer*)  we  are 
warranted  in  concluding  that  a  fociety  thus 
conftituted,  and  which  may  be  rendered  fo 
admirable  an  engine  of  improvement,  far 
from  meriting  any  reproachful  or  contu- 
melious treatment,    dcferves   highly  of  the 

*  Rev.  Dr.  Milne,'  Grand  Chaplain,  in  a  fcrmon  before  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  England,  1788. 

M  2 


i^Z  Popular  objeBms 

community  ;  and  that  the  ridicule  and  af^ 
fedted  contempt  which  it  has  fometimes 
experienced  can  proceed  only  from  igno- 
rance or  from  arrogance  ;  from  thofe,  in 
fine,  whofe  oppofition  does  it  honor,  whofe 
cenfure  is  panegyric,  and  praife  would  be 
cenfure." 

Assuredly  then,  my  hearers,  you  will 
with  me  congratulate  the  members  of  St. 
Paul's  lodge  on  the  agreeable  event  of  this 
day. 

Right  worshipful  MASTER,  wor- 
shipful WARDENS,  respected  OF- 
FICERS, AND  BELOVED  BRETHREN. 

Accept  my  affectionate  falutations ;  accept 
the  felicitations  of  all  the  friends  of  mafonry. 
We  are  pleafed  with  your  harmony  and 
zeal,  and  rejoice  in  your  eftablifhment  and 
profperity.  Your  fuccefs  is  connected  with, 
the  beft  interefts  of  humanity.  May  the 
focial  virtues  you  cultivate  and  the  heart- 
felt pleafures  you  experience  in  the  lodge,  be 
your  companions  through  life  !  Their  mild 
influence,  their  benignant  fpirit,  will  animate 


conftdered  and  anfwend.  183 

every  fcene  of  duty,  alleviate  every  corrofion 
of  care,  heighten  every  fenfation  of  joy,  and 
in  the  hour  of  diffolution  fhed  divine  tranf- 
port  on  your  fouls* 

Let  all  my  brethren  prefent  be  willing  I 
Ihould  remind  them  that   in  vain  do  we 
attempt  the  vindication  of  our  moft  excel- 
lent fociety,  or  the  commendatory  defcrip- 
tion  of  its  purpofes  and  requirements,   if  out 
condud  contradift  our  profeffion.     Let  us 
then  be  cautious  to  avoid  all  thofe  impro- 
prieties and  vices  which  might  tarnifli  th6 
luftre  of  our  jewels,  or  diminifli  the  credit  of 
the  craft.    Mafonry  will  rife  to  the  zenith  of 
its  glory  if  our  lives  do  juftice  to  its  noble 
principles,  and  the  world  fee  that  our  actions 
hold  an  uniform  and  entire  correfpondence 
with  the   incomparable   tenets  w^e  profefs. 
Thus   we   fhall  "  obtain  a  good   report   of 
them  that  are  without : "  "  and  thofe  who 
fpeak  evil  of  us  will  be  afhamed,  feeing  they 
falfely  accufe  our  good  converfation**   and 
mifreprefent  our  generous  purpofe.      "  For 
fo  is  the  will  of  God  that  with  well  doing 
ye  may  put  to  filence  the  ignorance  of  fool- 
ifli  men.** 


I  $4  Popular  objeSiions,  tsfc. 

Remember  that  we  are  the  associated 
FRIENDS  OF  HUMANITY  J  that  our  facrcd  un- 
ion embraces  in  its  philanthropy  the  amities 
of  the  gofpel  j  and  that  charity  in  its  kind- 
eft  exercife  and  largeft  extent  is  our  diftin- 
guifliing  charaderiftic.  Others  wear  the 
warmth  of  fummer  in  their  face,  and  the 
coldnefs  of  winter  in  their  heart  ;  but  a  Ma- 
fon's  difpofition  ftiould  be  mild  as  the  breeze, 
open  as  the  air,  and  genial  as  the  fun  ;  cheer- 
ing and  blefling  all  around  him  :  and  his 
deeds  pleafant  as  the  clear  fhining  after  the 
rain  ;  and  refreihing,  as  the  dewy  cloud  in  a 
harveft  day.* 

May  the  ajfembly  at  large  be  convinced  that 
prejudices  againft  free  masonry  are  ill 
founded,  and  that  the  Society  is  worthy  of 
high  encouragement  and  warm  commen- 
dation. 

Finally  ;  let  us  all  pray  that  the  privil- 
eges of  equal  right  may  be  widely  extended, 
and  all  men  become /r<?^  .-  that  wars  and  con- 
tentions may  be  forever  terminated :  that 
peace  and  happinefs  may  be  the  uninterrupt- 
ed enjoyment  of  all  mankind  :  and  to  God 
afcend  the  univerfal,  united,  uncealing  afcrip- 
tion  of  love  and  joy  and  praife  ! 

*  Ifaiah  xviii.  4. 


DISCOURSE  X. 

EXAMINATION  OF  THE  MODERN  PREJUDICES  AGAINST 

FREE-MASONRY. 


DISCOURSE  X. 


Delivered  at  the  consecration  of  KING  DAFID^s  LODGE, 
IN  Taunton,  August  28,  1799. 


ROMANS  X.  3. 

WE  BE  SLANDEROUSLY  REPORTED,  AND  SOME  AF- 
FIRM  THAT  IV E  SAY,  LET  US  DO  EVIL  THAT 
GOOD  MAY  COME. 

W  HEN  partiality  is  fo  bufily  endeav- 
oring to  render  fufpicious  the  bell  adions,  and 
prejudice  fo  artful  in  throwing  out  inlinua- 
tions  to  the  difadvantage  of  the  worthieft 
characters,  who  can  expert  to  efcape  "  the 
ftrife  of  tongues  ?**  Efpecially  as  the  ignorant 
and  the  evil  minded  are  ever  ready  to  adopt 
the  furmife,  however  improbable  ;  and  to 
give  currency  to  the  imputation,  however 
unjtift. 


1 8  8     Examination  of  the  jnodern  prejudices 

Even  our  blefled  Lord,  the  holy  and  im- 
maculate Jefus,  "  was  defpifed  and  rejeded 
of  men."  Not  all  the  wonderful  works  that 
diftinguiflied  his  miniftry,  not  the  divinity 
of  his  preaching,  the  difmtereftednefs  of  his 
condud,  nor  the  fandity  of  his  morals,  could 
fecure  him  from  the  oppofition  of  party  and 
the  rage  of  malignity.  He  forewarned  his 
difciples  of  a  iimilar  treatment  ;  and  told 
them  that  they  muft  exped  to  meet  with  un- 
kind ufage,  bitter  reproach,  and  violent  per- 
fecution,  as  well  as  he.*  Accordingly  "  in 
every  city  they  had  trial  of  cruel  mockings, 
and  fcourgings,  yea  moreover  of  bonds,  and 
imprifonments,  and  tortures.f  They  were 
"  a' fe6t  every  where  fpoken  againft."  The 
apoftles  were  reproached  as  being  peftilent, 
fadious,  turbulent,  and  feditious  fellows.} 
They  were  not  only  accufed  of  confpiring 
againft  the  government  of  their  nation  and 
the  peace  of  the  world  ;  ||  but  alfo,  of  aiming 
to  overthrow  the  religious  eftablifliment  of 
their    own    country,    and   of    all   others.  § 

♦  Matth.  X.  24—26.     t  Heb.  xi.  36.      t  Ai5ts  xxiv.  5,  6. 
II  A(fts  xvii.  6.     §  Afts  vi.  13,  14.  xviii.  13. 


againji  Free  Mafonry*  189 

Not  only  were  there  imputed  to  them  pra^i^, 
ces  that  were  dangerous,  but  principles  tha* 
were  unjuft.  So  St.  Paul  intimates,  in  the 
paffage  fetected  as  a  text,  that  there  were 
thofe  who  charged  him  and  his  fellow  labor- 
ers in  the  propagation  of  the  gofpel,  with 
holding  tenets  that  he  detefted.  He  fays  no 
more  in  confutation  of  the  vile  imputation 
than  that  thofe  who  profefs  and  practife  upon 
fuch  a  principle  deferve  and  will  receive  the 
higheft  condemnation  :  but  to  attribute  to 
him  and  his  affociates  fuch  a  motive,  was  a 
falfe  and  inlidious  charge. 

Thus  we  fee  that  the  beft  men  and  the 
worthieft  conduct  may  be  mifreprefented 
and  flanderoufly  reported  :  and  that  the  pur- 
eft  purpofes  and  the  nobleft  exertions  in 
behalf  of  virtue,  humanity,  and  peace,  have 
been  ftigmatized  by  fome,  and  oppofed  by 
others. 

The  moft  unfair  and  difingenuous,  need  I 
add  the  moft  fuccefsful  mode  of  attack,  is  to 
infmuate  that  the  defign,  however  plaufible, 
is  mifchievous  j  or,  that  the  endy  however 


1 90    Examination  of  the  modern  prejudices 

commendable,  is  efFeded  by  means  reprehcn- 
lible  and  unjuft. 

The  bafe  and  vile  do(^rine  of  "  doing  evil 
that  good  may  come,"  or,  in  other  words, 
that  "  the  end  juftifies  the  means,"  has  alfo 
been  alledged  againft  the  fuee  masons.  Or, 
rather,  it  is  exprefsly  afferted  of  the  Jefuifs 
and  Illuminees*  by  authors  who  delignedly  im- 
plicate and  involve  our  fociety  with  thofe 
corrupt  alTociations  :  declaring  it  to  be  form- 
ed upon  the  fame  plan,  founded  on  the  fame 
principles,  and  furthering  the  fame  defigns.f 
To  be  fure  they  make  fome  referves  and 
abatements  in  favor  of  Free  Mafonry  ;  but 
flill  affert  it  to  be  the  fatal  fource  to  which 
all  thefe  bitter  and  deftrudive  ftreams  are  to 
be  traced.  I 

*  See  Abie  Barrvel's  hijlory  of  Jacobinifm,  V.  3.  iVi?7i;  Tori 
edition,  p.  61,  93,  and  189.  Profejfor  ROBISON,  Proofs  of  a  confpiracy 
apainji  the  Religions  and  Go-oernments  of  Europe,  carried  or.  in  the  fecret 
vieetings  of  Free  Mafons,  Illuminati,  &c." 

f  BarrUEL,  vol.  3,  p.  la,  note,  91,  136,  &C.  Prof^ffor  ROBISON, 
Philadelphia  edit.  p.  83,  4Z,  ^^,  75,  34a,  &C. 

%   BaRRUEL,  vol.  3.  p.  II,  38,  41.  5».  87,  15a,  &C.    Profeffor  Ro- 

BISON,  p.  15,  i6j,  343.  &C'  M.Li  Franc,  "  la  •uoile  retiree'^ 


againjl  Tree  Mafonry*  ipi 

I  doubt  not,  my  brethren^  but  it  will  ftrike 
your  minds  with  furprife  and  aftonifliment, 
not  unmixed  with  indignation  and  horror, 
to  be  informed  that  our  venerable  and  antient 
Fraternity  is  implicated  with  the  infidels, 
atheifts,  and  diforganizers  of  the  prefent  day 
in  a  charge  of  no  lefs  atrocity,  than  a  preme- 
ditated defign,  a  long  preconcerted  plan,  to 
deftroy  the  religion  of  Chrift,  to  fubvert  eve- 
ry eftabliftied  government  upon  earth,  and 
to  overthrow  every  fyftem  of  civil  fociety 
which  the  virtuous  ingenuity  of  man  has 
been  able  to  invent,  with  a  view  to  improve 
and  fecure  the  happinefs  of  the  world  !* 

*  The  Abbe  Barruel  has  this  affertlon  :  «  Irreligion  and  un- 
qualified Liberty  and  Equality  are  the  genuine  and  original  fecrets 
of  Free  Mafonry,  and  the  ultimatum  of  a  regular  progrefs  through 
ail  its  degrees."  And  Profejfor  Robison  declares,  that  "  the  Ma- 
fpn  Lodges  in  France  were  the  hot-beds,  where  the  feeds  were  fowa 
and  teifderly  reared  of  all  the  pernicious  dodlrines  which  foon  af- 
ter choaked  every  moral  or  rehglous  cultivation,  and  have  made 
the  Society  worfe  than  a  wafte,  have  made  it  a  noifome  marfh  of 
human  corruption,  filled  with  every  rank  and  poifonous  weed." 
And  again  ;  "  Germany  has  experienced  the  fame  gradual  progrefs 
from  Religion  to  Atheifm,  from  decency  to  diffolutenefs,  and  from 
loyalty  to  rebellion,  wliich  has  had  its  courfe  in  France.  And  \ 
muft  now  add,  that  this  progrefs  has  been  effedled  in  the  fame 
manner,  and  by  the  fame  means  ;  and  that  one  of  the  chief  means 
of  fedudtion  has  been  the  Lodges  of  Free  Mafoas." 


I9:i    Examination  of  the  modern  prejudices 

Looking  into  yourfelves,  my  brethren, 
and  feeling  confcious  of  the  purity  of  your 
own  intentions ;  referring,  too,  to  the  prin- 
ciples of  our  antient  and  hitherto  refpected 
inftitution  you  are  at  a  lols  even  to  con- 
je^ure  the  motive  for  fabricating  an  allega- 
tion fo  unfounded,  and  bringing  forward  an 
imputation  fo  undeferved  and  fo  unjuft. 

By  artful  inlinuations,  forced  conftruc- 
tipns,  arMi  palpable  mifreprefentations,  mod- 
ern alarmifts  have  afcribed  to  the  Free- 
Mafon^  principles  which  they  hold  in  detefta- 
tion,  fimtives  to  which  they  are  ftrangers, 
and  anions  of  which  they  were  not  authors. 
They  blend  them  with  focieties  to  which 
they  have  no  affinity ;  mere  political  clubs 
whofe  intentions  and  purfuits  are  diametri- 
cally oppofite  to  our's,  and  altogether 
inconliftent  both  with  our  rules  and  difpoii- 
tions. 

For.  thofe  excelTes,  thofe  moral  and 
political  evils  which  have  of  late  not  only 
fpread  war  and  confufion,  and  every  evil 
work  through  the  kingdoms  of  Europe,  but 


aga'mji  Free  Mafonry,  19^ 

endangered  the  fecurity  and  peace  of  the 
world :  the  advocate  for  Free  Mafonry  has 
no  apology  to  offer.  He  contends  only  that 
they  are  not  the  fruits  of  his  fyftem,  and 
cannot  with  any  truth  or  juftice  be  afcribed 
to  it :  but  muft  be  attributed  folely  to  the 
corrupt  fchemes  and  wicked  devices  of  thofe 
defigning  and  bad  men  who  were  their  real 
authors  or  abettors. 

It  is  pollible  that  the  artful  and  daring 
heads  of  "  the  antichriftian,  the  antimo- 
narchical,  and  the  antifocial  confpiracy," 
about  whom  fo  much  has  been  written  and 
faid,  may  have  affumed  the  name  of  Mafons 
and  profeffed  to  flielter  their  fecret  meetings 
for  plots  and  cabals  under  the  pretence  of 
holding  a  lodge.  But,  God  forbid  !  that  the 
innocent  fhould  be  confounded  with  the 
guilty,  or  that  Free  Mafonry  fliould  be  ac- 
countable for  projects  or  condemned  for 
pradiccs  which  it  could  never  countenance. 
Long  and  deeply  Ihall  we  have  to  regret  that 
the  opinion  which  the  public  had  entertain- 
ed of  a  peaceable  and  undefigning  fociety 
fliould  be  thus  abufed.     But  the    candid 

N 


194     Examination  of  the  modern  prejudices 

obferver  will  do  us  the  juftice  to  acknow- 
ledge that  the  harmlefs  fold  are  not  account- 
able for  the  mean  duplicity,  the  bafe  deligns, 
or  the  bloody  ravages  of  the  wolves  in 
Iheep's  clothing.* 

The  vilionary  fancies  which  modern  phi- 
lofophiftsf  niay  have  annexed  to  Free 
Mafonry,  the  abfurd  and  extravagant  errors 
they  have  attempted  to  father  upon  it,  are 
foreign  and  illegitimate.  We  difavow  and 
difown  them.  They  bring  difcredit  upon 
thofe  who  would  incorporate  fuch  vanities 
with  our  fyftem  :  but  they  debafe  not  the 
purity  of  our  original  conftitution.  They 
can  be  urged  only  to  fliew  the  arts  and 
wickednefs  of  intriguing  men  ;  and  impeach 

*  "  It  is  fufficiemly  in  proof  that  the  founders  of  different  con- 
fpiracies,  aware  of  the  fecrecy  permitted  to  the  proceedings  of 
the  fraternity  of  Mafons,  have  aflumed  that  charaAer,  and  avail- 
ed therafelves  of  the  credit  given  to  that  inftitution,  in  order  to 
render  unfufpe<£ted  the  tendency,  and  undetected  the  progrefs  of 
their  own  abominable  machinations.  From  what  wc  have  heard 
and  read,  we  are  perfuadcd,  that  the  fundamental  principles  and 
general  pradlices  of  Free  Mafonry  are  as  oppofite  to  thofe  of  the 
llluminees,  of  the  Propaganda,  or  of  any  other  fedt  in  hoftihty  to 
good  order  and  government,  as  light  to  darknefs,  or  good  to  evil." 

London  Review,  Aug.  1797. 

•)■  The  Martinifts,  £cIe<Sticg,  Caglioftros,  Sec. 


agawji  Free  Mafonry  ig^ 

not  the  natural  tendency  of  an  eftablifhment, 
whofe  every  precept,  form,  and  ceremony, 
inculcates  virtue,  aflifts  order,  and  difpofes 
to  peace.  And  no  one  fuppofes  it  an  argu- 
ment againft  Christianity,  or  that  im- 
peaches its  divinity,  that  the  corruptions  of 
popery  or  the  fcandals  of  mahometanifm 
have  been  engrafted  upon  it :  nor  is  it  a  re- 
proach to  its  truth,  that  falfe  profeflbrs  and 
falfe  doctrines  have  abufed  the  fandlion  of 
its  name.  Such  impoftures  were  predicted 
by  the  higheft  authority  ;  and,  while  they 
have  faded  away,  the  permanency  of  that 
fublime  and  rational  fyftem  has  been  a 
ftrong  proof  of  its  divine  origin  and  fupe- 
rior  excellence.  And  we  are  alTured  that 
genuine  free  masonrt-  will  long  furvive 
the  imitations  of  impofture  and  the  attacks 
of  mifrepxefentation. 

We  cannot  too  often  repeat,  that,  while 
our  inftitution  is  known  to  require  a  firm 
belief  in  the  exiftence,  a  devout  reverence 
for  the  character,  and  a  cheerful  obedience 
to  the  laws  of  the  supreme  architect  of 
THE    UNIVERSE,    THE    ETERNAL   GOD ; 


igS     Examination  of  the  modern  prejudices 

while  it  is  evidently  built  upon,  and  vene- 
rates   THE    HOLY     SCRIPTURES  ;*    that     COn- 

ftruftion  muft  be  a  forced  one,  indeed, 
which  imputes  to  it  principles  and  plans  of 
irreligious  tendency  1  If  it  were  an  immoral 
or  antichriftian  affociation,  how  happens  it 
that  fo  many  of  the  clergy  are  not  only 
members,  but  zealoufly  attached  to  it ;  not 
only  its  apologifts,  but  its  patrons  ?  For  my- 
felf,  I  declare  that  fuch  is  my  high  reverence 
for  CHRISTIANITY,  and  my  devotednefs  to 
its  caufe,  that,  did  I  believe  FJiEE  MASONRTy 
as  it  is  known  and  cultivated  among  us,  and 
as  I  have  been  acquainted  with  it,  had  a  ten- 
dency to  weaken  or  deftroy  the  faith  of  the 
gofpel,  I  would  openly  and  immediately  re- 
nounce the  order,  and  fpurn  with  indigna- 
tion its  badges  and  its  bonds !  f 

*  See  the  Book  of  Conftitutions,  Chapter  L  Se6tlx)n  i.  o/"Gob 
and  religion. 

f  "  I  have  had  the  honor  (faid  the  Rev.  Charles  Brockwell) 
of  being  a  member  of  this  antient  and  honorable  fociety  many 
years,  have  fuftained  many  of  its  offices,  and  can,  and  do  aver  in 
this  /acred place,  and  before  the  grand  architect  of  the  luorid, 
that  I  never  could  obferve  ought  therein,  but  what  was  juftifiable 
and  commendable  according  to  the  ftridleft  rules  of  fociety ;  this 
being  founded  on  the  precepts  of  the  gofpel,  the  doing  the  will 
of  God,  and  the  fubduing  the  paffions,  and  highly  conducing  t» 


againfl  Free  Mafonry^  197 

It  is  equally  incredible  to  fuppofe  it  cal- 
culated to  effect  any  change  of  political 
opinion,  much  lefs  to  promote  a  revolution 
in  any  government  under  which  it  may  be 
pemiitted  to  operate.  For  one  of  the  moft 
politive  injunclions  impofed  on  a  candidate 
for  our  order,  and,  one  of  the  admonitions 
moft  frequently  repeated  in  our  aflemblies, 
is  "  to  fulfil  all  civil  duties  in  the  moft  dif- 
tinguiflied  manner  and  from  the  pureft 
motives."  This,  it  is  well  known,  is  among 
our  moft  pofitive  and  binding  regulations ; 

every  facred  and  focial  virtue.  But,  not  to  infift  on  my  own  ex- 
perience, the  very  antiquity  of  our  conflltutions  furnifhes  a  fuffi- 
cient  ground  to  confute  all  gainfayers.  For  no  combination  of 
wicked  men,  for  a  wicked  purpofe,  ever  lafted  long.  The  want 
of  virtue,  on  which  mutual  truft  and  confidence  is  founded,  foon 
divides  and  breaks  them  to  pieces.  Nor  would  men  of  unqueft- 
ionable  wifdom,  known  integrity,  ftritft  honor,  undoubted  veraci- 
ty and  good  fenfe,  (though  they  might  be  trepanned  into  a  foolifli 
or  ridiculous  fociety,  which  could  pretend  to  nothing  valuable,) 
ever  continue  in  it,  or  contribute  towards  fupporting  and  propa^ 
gating  it  to  pofterity."  Serm.  before  ths  Grand  Lodge  at  Bofton, 
^IS^^fage  16. 

It  were  eafy  to  quote  other  tcfttmonies.  Were  not  this  note 
already  too  lengthy,  I  would  have  added  tbat  of  the  Rev.  Charles 
Leslie  ;  a  man  eminent  for  his  piety,  and  famous  for  his  matter- 
ly  writings  in  defence  of  Chriftianity  againft  the  Deifts,  &c.  but 
muft  refer  to  his  difcourfe  entitled  "  A  vindication  of  Mafonry 
and  its  excellency  demonftrated  :  "  delivered  before  the  Lodge  of 
Vernon  Kilwinning. 

N  2 


198     Examination  of  the  modern  prejudices 

yet  it  feems  as  if  our  anceftors,  fearful  of  riot 
fufficiently  guarding  the  fraternity  againft 
the  poflibility  of  being  fufpe<5led  of  difloyal- 
ty,  had  judged  it  neceffary,  in  their  general 

laws,  politively  to  prohibit  the  uttering  of  a 
fingle  fentence  in  our  meetings  on  any  politi- 
cal fubjed  whatever.  In  the  "  antient  charges 
colle6led  fro?n  old  records  "  is  the  following  : 
"  No  private  piques  or  quarrels  muft  be 
brought  within  the  door  of  the  lodge,  far 
iefs  any  quarrels  about  religion,  or  nations, 
or  ftate  policy :  being  of  all  nations,  tongues, 
kindreds,  and  languages,  we  are  refolved 
againft  all  politics,  as  what  never  yet  con- 
duced to  the  welfare  of  the  lodge,  nor  ever 
will."  Again  ;  "  as  political  affairs  have  oc- 
cafioned  difcord  amongft  the  neareft  relations 
and  moft  intimate  friends,  Mafons  are  en- 
joined never  to  fpeak  of,  or  difcufs  them  in 
the  lodge." 

How  far  Free  Mafonry  interferes  with  the 
affairs  of  government  will  be  beft  afcertained 
by  one  or  two  extrads  from  the  book  of 
conftitutions.  Such  an  appeal  "  to  the  law 
and  to  the  teftimony"  is  the  more  neceffary, 
becaufe  this  has  lately  become  a  fubjed  of 


againfi  Free  Mafonry.  199 

ferious  alarm ;  and  becaufe  our  inftitutes 
and  rules,  orders  and  ceremonies,  though 
printed  and  publifhed,  are  feldom  confulted 
but  by  the  brethren.  Others  do  not  read 
them  from  indifference ;  our  enemies  will 
not,  from  contempt ;  or  elfe  they  fear  to 
bring  their  affertions  to  this  light,  left  they 
fiiould  be  reproved,  or  confuted.  This  vol- 
ume, curious  for  its  articles  of  remote  an- 
tiquity, and  interefting  for  its  inftrudive 
documents,  contains  the  following  princi- 
ples :  "  Whoever  would  be  a  true  Mafon  is 
to  know,  that,  by  the  privileges  of  his  order, 
his  obligations  as  a  fubjeft  and  citizen  will 
not  be  relaxed,  but  enforced.  He  is  to  be  a 
lover  of  peace,  and  obedient  to  the  civil 
powers  which  yield  him  prote(5lion,  and  are 
fet  over  him  where  he  relides,  or  works. 
Nor  can  a  real  craftfman  ever  be  concerned 
in  confpiracies  againft  the  ftate,  or  be  difre- 
fpeclful  to  the  magiftrate  5  becaufe  the  wel- 
fare of  his  country  is  his  moft  happy 
objeft."*     No  man  can  be  invefted  with  the 

*  Conftitutions,  chap.  i.  fecft  %.  cf  government  and  th(  civil 
magiftrate. 


200    Examinatien  of  the  modern  prejudices 

office  of  mafter  of  a  lodge  until  he  has 
fignified  his  affent  to  thofe  charges  and  regu- 
lations which  point  out  the  duty  of  that 
ftatioHj  and  promife  to  fubmit  and  fupport 
them,  "  as  mafters  have  done  in  all  ages." 
Among  other  particulars  are  thefe :  "  You 
agree  to  be  a  peaceable  fubjeft,  and  cheer- 
fully to  conform  to  the  laws  of  the  country 
in  which  you  refide."  "  You  promife  not 
to  be  concerned  in  plots  or  confpiracies 
againft  government  ;  but  patiently  to  fub- 
mit to  the  decifions  of  the  fupreme  legifla- 
ture."  "  You  agree  to  pay  a  proper  refpe6t 
to  the  civil  magiftrate  \  to  work  diligently, 
live  in  credit,  and  acl  honorably  with  all 
men."*  Laftly,  every  candidate,  upon  ad- 
miffion,  is  thus  charged ;  "  In  the  ftate  you 
are  to  be  a  quiet  and  peaceable  fubjed:.  You 
are  never  to  countenance  diflayalty  or  re- 
bellion ;  but  yield  yourfelf,  and  encourage 
in  others,  a  cheerful  conformity  io  the  gov- 
ernment under  which  you  live."! 

*  Conftitutions,  Part  II.  Ceremony  of  conJliUit'tng and  cenfecrat'ing  a 
lodge,  injlalliiig  the  officer!,  ISfc.  page  84. 

•f  Conftitutions,  Part  m.  Charge  at  initiating  into  the  Jirji  degree., 
page  ia6. 


againfi  Feee  Mafonry,  201 

How  ftrange  is  it,  my  hearers,  that  an 
inftitution,  thus  guarded  and  fenced  againft 
political  difobedience,  fliould  be  fufpefted  of 
being  "  the  hot-bed  of  fedition !"  Or  that 
any  one  fhould  think  of  imputing  to  men 
bound  by  thefe  ties,  governed  by  thefe  laws, 
and  under  thefe  reftridions,  "  plans  of  dif- 
organization  and  rebellion !"  Do  thefe  prin- 
ciples lead  to  confpiracy  ?  Are  they  not 
diametrically  oppofite  to  all  difafFeftion  to- 
wards "  the  powers  that  be ;  whether  it  be 
to  the  king  as  fupreme,  or  unto  governors?" 
Do  they  not  more  refemble  the  good  old 
loyal  doctrine  oi pajfive  obedience  and  non-rejtji- 
ance  ?*  We  blufli  for  the  ignorance,  and 
wonder   at    the    perverfity  of   thofe    who 

•  An  aged  and  orthodox  divine,  in  a  fermon  at  the  confecra- 
tion  of  a  lodge  at  Ramfgate  in  Kent,  Sept.  3,  1798,  makes  this 
folemn  protcftation ;  "  As  an  advocate  both  zealous  and  deter- 
mined, as  an  advocate  for  this  order,  from  the  (Irongefl:  convicSlion 
of  its  excellency,  both  in  politics  and  patriotifm  ;  I  fcruple  not  to 
challenge  our  bittereft  reviler  to  fix  upon  one  fingJe  Mafon  who 
dare  affirm  that  in  any  of  our  tranfadtions,  whether  public  or  pri- 
vate, there  is  a  fmgle  trait  either  fentimental  or  practical,  in  all 
our  mafonic  order  which  bears  not  even  the  very  enthufiafm  of 
loyalty."         Inwood,  p.  a66. 


so  2     Examination  of  the  modern  prejudices 

declare  that  they  "  view  the  brotherhood  as 
a  hoard  of  confpirators,  who  have  long 
waited  only  for  the  baleful  genius  of  a 
Weilhaupt  to  launch  out  into  all  the  crimes 
of  a  revolution."* 

That  an  inftitution  which  is  founded  on 
love  to  God  and  love  to  man;  whofe  glory  is  to 
reward  in  its  members  thofe  peaceful  virtues 
which  are  moft  friendly  to  their  own  inter- 
nal tranquillity,  and  moft  beneficent  and  hap- 
py to  the  world  ;  which  declares  and  repeats 
to  all  its  candidates  and  in  all  its  lodges,  that 
It  can  never  countenance  any  thing  contrary 

to  MORALS .y   RELIGION,     OX    THE  STATE  ;    wllich 

expects  and  requires  the  higheft  reverence  to 
the  Supreme  Beikg,  obedience  to  rulers,  re- 
fpect  to  fuperiors,  kindnefs  to  equals,  and 
condefcenfion  to  inferiors  ;  I  fay,  that  fuch 
an  inftitution  fhouid  be  declared,  or  even 
fufpecled  to  militate  with  religion,  peace, 
and  focial  order,  is  matter  of  aftonifliment. 
It  m.uft  require  the  prejudices  of  an  ex-jefuit 
to  draw  fo  ftrange  an   inference   from   fuch 

*  BarP.UEI...  I'ol,  J^th^efths  2J.  Er.gUJh  cdiiio'i.  p.  l6^. 


againjl  free  Mafonry,  io^ 

<*)ppofing  premifes  ;  or  the  faculty  of  Scotch 
fecond  light  to  fee  things  thus  awry.* 

Are  not  Mafons,  as  well  as  other  men, 
members  of  civil  fociety  ;  equally  interefted 
in  preferving  its  order  and  peace  ?  Do  they 
not  owe  their  perfonal  and  their  alTociate  fe- 
curity  to  the  laws  ;  their  protection  to  the 
magiftrate  ?  What  poffible  inducement  could 
they  have  for  endangering  that  fecurity,  or 
forfeiting  that  protection  ? 

Whatever  interferes  with  the  profperity 
of  any  nation,  perfuafion,  or  individual, 
forms  no  part  of  the  mafonic  theme.  While 
the  real  Mafon  ads  within  his  fphere  he  is  a 
friend  to  every  government  which  affords 
him  protection  ;  and  particularly  attached 
to  that  country  wherein  he  firft  drew  breath. 


*  "  Nor  lefs  avails  this  optic  fleight, 
And  Scottifll  gift  oi  fecond  fight  : 
Which  fees  not  only  all  that  was, 
But  much  that  never  came  to  pafs. 
And  optics  fliarp  it  needs,  I  ween, 
To  fee  what  is  not  to  be  feen." 

Trumbull's  M'Fintral. 


204     Examination  of  the  modern  prejudices 

That  is  the  centre  of  his  circle  ;  the  point 
where  his  afFedions  are  warmeft.  His  phif 
lanthropy  is  by  no  means  incompatible  with 
■patriotijm  ;  and  when  he  fpeaks  of  being ^r^^, 
and  of  Handing  on  a  level  with  his  brethren, 
he  advances  no  fentiment  in  militancy  with 
fecial  or  political  grades  and  dignities.  He 
admits,  and  is  familiar  with,  the  principle 
of  due  fubordination.  He  finds  its  expedi- 
ency in  his  own  inftitution  ;  and  he  knows 
it  elTential  to  good  government  and  order 
in  the  community.  "  To  be  free  is  one  of 
the  chara6teriftics  of  his  profeflion  ;  but  it 
is  that  fteady  freedom  which  prudence  feels 
and  wifdom  dilates  :'*  a  freedom  which 
reafon  honors  and  virtue  fandions  :  a  free- 
dom from  the  dominion  of  paffion  and  the 
flavery  of  vice. 

Appeal  we  to  fa6t,  to  the  hiftory  of  all  na- 
tions ;  and  we  fhall  find  that  Free  Mafons 
have  always  been  peaceable  and  orderly 
members  of  fociety.*  Submiffive,  even  un- 
der governments  the   moft    intolerant  and 

*  See  "  An  afology/or  ths  Free  and  Accepted  Mafons,  occaftomi 


againjl  Free  Mafonry.  205 

opprefTive,  they  filently  cultivated  their  be- 
nevolent plan,  and  fecured  it  confidence  and 
protection  by  exhibiting  in  their  conduct 
Its  mild,  pacific,  and  charitable  tendencies* 
They  excited  no  factious  refifl:ance  to 
eftablifhed  authorities,  confpired  in  no  tur- 
bulent and  feditious  fchemes,  exaggerat- 
ed no  grievances,  nor  even  joined  in  the 
clamors  of  popular  difcontent.  Making  it  a 
rule  never  to  fpeak  evil  of  dignities,  nor  in* 
terfere  with  the  claims  of  lawful  authority, 
they,  at  all  times  and  in  all  places,  fupported 
the  character  and  obtained  the  praife  of  liege 
fubjecls,  and  good  citizens. 

Recur  we  to  the  American  hifl:ory. 
Were  Price,  Oxnard,  Tomlinfon,  Gridley, 
leaders  in  rebellion  ?  Was  Warren  a  feditious 


ty  the  perfecution  of  them  in  the  Canton  of  Berne."     Printed  at  JFratic- 
fort,  1748.   laino. 

And  "  An  impartial  examination  of  the  ail  of  the  afTociate  Synod 
at  Stirling  ."  by  the  Rev.  Charles  Leslie. 

In  a  late  Britifh  publication  is  the  following  obfervation  i 
"  Were  there  even  no  other  ttftimony  in  favor  of  Free  Mafonry, 
the  public  would  not  be  eafily  perfuaded  to  look  upon  that  to  be 
big  with  fecret  mifchief,  which  is  openly  cfpoufed  by  Earl 
MoiRA." 

fublie  Cbarailert,  of  1798  and  1 799,  vol.  I,  p.  24- 


2c6     Examination  of  the  7nodern  prejudices 

perfon  ?  Or  does  Waihington  countenance 
confpiracy  againft  government  ?  Are  not  the 
members  of  the  fraternity  known  ?  Are  they 
fuch  as  are  generally  thought  to  harbor  in- 
imical defigns  againft  the  civil  or  eccleliafti- 
cal  eftablifhment  ?  Are  the  lodges  principally 
compofed  of,  or  governed  by,  men  fufpected 
of  diforganizing  projecfbs  or  demoralizing 
views  ?  You  will  unite  in  anfwering  No ! 
Scarcely  an  individual  can  be  found  in  our 
order  who  can  be  thought  to  favor  fuch 
principles. 

But  enough,  furely  has  been  faid  to  con- 
vince every  candid  and  unprejudiced  mind 
that  the  members  of  the  antient  Fraternity 
of  Free  and  Accepted  Mafons  are  incapable 
of  a  defign  fo  bafe  and  villanous  as  "  a  con^ 
fpiracy  againft  religion,  government,  and 
focial  order." 

And  we,  my  brethren^  know,  and  it  is  our 
boaft,  that  a  profound  veneration  for  the 
chriftian  verity  ;  and  a  dignified  refped  for 
the  government  and  a  patriotic  zeal  for  the 


cigainfi  Free  Mafonry.  207 

welfare  of  our  country,  are  among  our  fa- 
cred  duties  and  our  deareft  interefts.  In  this 
charafter  and  conduct  may  we  ftill  be  known, 
and  refpeded  ;  continuing  to  "  walk  by  the 
fame  rule,  and  to  mind  the  fame  thing.'* 

The  officers  and  members  of  King  David* s 
Lodge,  this  day  to  be  inftalled  and  confecrat- 
ed,  will  permit  me,  ere  I  retire,  to  congratu- 
late th  ':"  eftablifliment,  and  tender  them  my 
beft  wilhes. 

While  your  attachnjent  to  Free  Mafonry 
and  zeal  in  its  caufe  demand  the  approbation 
of  all  its  friends,  may  your  lives  and  virtues 
confute  the  llanderous  reports  of  all  its  ene- 
mies, 

May  your  lodge  be  beautiful  as  the  tem- 
ple, peaceful  as  its  ark,  and  facred  as  its  moft 
holy  place  !  May  your  oblations  oi piety  and 
pra'y'e  be  grateful  as  the  incenfe,  your  love 
warm  as  its  flame,  and  your  charity  diftulive 
as  its  fragrance  !  May  your  hearts  be  pure  as 
the  altar,  and  your  whole  conduSi  acceptable 
as   the   offering  !    May  the   approbation  of 


20  8     Examination  of  the  modern  prejudices 

Heaven  be  your  encouragement  ;  and  may 
that  benignant  Being,  "  who  feeth  in  fecret, 
reward  you  openly  !** 

Finally  :  May  we  all  be  accepted  of  God  ; 
workmen  that  need  not  to  be  alhamed,  right- 
ly difcharging  the  duties  of  life.  May  we 
abhor  that  which  is  evil,  and  cleave  to  that 
which  is  good  ;  approving  ourfelves  to  ev- 
ry  man's  confcience  in  the  light  of  God  i 
and  be  continually  making  approaches  to 
that  ftate  where  the  credit  of  virtue  is  ef- 
tablifhed  and  fecure,  and  its  fatisfadions  per- 
fect and  eternal  ! 


DISCOURSE  XI. 

ON  THE  BEST  WAT  OF  DEFENDING  ^ 
FREE-MASONRY.    , 


DISCOURSE  XL 

^      I  PETER,  II.  IS,  1 6. 

—  «  WITH  WELL  DOING  YE  MAY  PUT  TO  SILENCE 
THE  IGNORANCE  OF  FOOLISH  MEN.  AS  FREE, 
AND  NOT  USING  YOUR  LIBERTY  FOR  A  CLOAK  OF 
MALICIOUSNESS,  BUT  AS  THE  SERVANTS  OF  GOD." 

1  SHALL  ufe  thefe  words,  my  brethren, 
as  the  motto  to  a  difcourfe,  wherein  I  pro- 
pofe,  after  adverting  to  the  injuftice  of  thofe 
imputations  which  are  brought  forward 
againft  Free  Mafonry,  briefly  to  confider  the 
way  in  which  we  can  beft  preferve  it  from 
mifreprefentations,  and  beft  defend  it  againft 
cenfures. 

Whilst  we  feel  our  minds  enlarged  by 
its  difcoveries,  our  hearts  expanded  by  its 
charities,  and  our  fatisfadions  increafed  by 


212  On  the  bejl  way  of  defending 

its  influence,  we  cannot  grow  indifferent  to 
its  interefts,  nor  hear  the  reproaches  repeated 
againft  it  with  the  coldnefs  of  unconcerned 
auditors,  without  emotion  and  without  re- 
ply. With  honeft  zeal  we  come  forward  ; 
not  to  conteft  the  fubje<5l  in  "  a  war  of 
words  ;"  not  to  difcufs,  but  to  demonftrate  ; 
not  to  defend  opinions  againft  thofe  whom 
no  reafons  will  fatisfy  and  no  arguments 
convince  ;  but  to  vindicate  our  principles  by 
referring  to  their  effects  on  our  temper  and 
our  conduft.' 

Modesty,  which  retires  from  obfervationj 
diffidence,  which  always  entertains  an  hum- 
ble opinion  of  its  own  merit,  and  avoids 
oftentation  as  it  does  cenfure ;  have  hitherto 
reftrained  us  from  fuch  a  plea :  but  our 
enemies  impel  us  to  this  iflue. 

I.  Free  Masonry,  you  know,  is,  at  the 
prefent  day,  viewed  in  an  unfavorable  light : 
and  we  are  confidered  by  fome  as  covenant- 
ing on  principles  and  affociated  for  purpofes 
deftrudive  of  civil  fubordination,  and  tend- 
ing to  diflblutenefs  and  infidelity  j  to  the 


i 


Free  Mafonry.  2 1 3 

difavowal  of  all  that  is  venerable  in  virtue  or 
facred  in  religion.  In  vain  have  we  re- 
peatedly unfolded  our  fentiments  to  public 
examination,  in  the  moft  honeft,  ingenuous, 
and  explicit  manner.  Our  pupteftations  are 
difregarded :  and  while  every  paltry  pam- 
phlet or  paragraph  written  in  oppofition  to 
us  is  eagerly  read  and  implicitly  believed ; 
what  lue  publiih,  particularly  the  book  of 
CONSTITUTIONS,  which  contains  our  laws  and 
ceremonies,  is  never  inquired  after,  never  con- 
fulted. 

My  brethren,  our  inexorable  accufers  ar- 
raign us  at  the  tribunal  of  the  public,  to  de- 
fend ourfelves,  not  againfl  what  they  know, 
but  what  they  fufpe6l ;  to  anfwer,  not  for 
what  they  have  experienced,  but  what  they 
fear.  This  is  taking  us  at  great  difadvan- 
tage :  and  the  unfairnefs,  as  well  as  injuftice, 
of  fuch  an  allegation,  will  excufe  our  palling 
it  by  in  filent  contempt.  We  challenge 
them  to  point  out  the  inftances  in  which  wc 
have  appeared  the  advocates  or  the  abettors 
of  immorality  or  rebellion  !  We  fubmit  our 
actions  to  their  prying  inveftigation  ;  hoping, 
o  2 


214  On  the  befi  way  of  defending 

befure,  fome  allowance  for  the  frailties  and  im- 
perfedions  incident  to  humanity  ;  arrogating 
to  ourfelves  no  immaculate  purity  nor  inde- 
fedible  virtue ;  but  neither  needing  nor 
afking  apology^  for  any  thing  that  is  peculiar 

to  us  as  MASONS, 

Assured  that  whatever  follies  or  impru- 
dencies  may  have  injured  our  credit  as  7nen, 
and  that  whatever  vices  have  wounded  our 
charadler  as  chriflians^  it  never  juftified  the 
former  nor  allowed  the  latter,  let  us  excul- 
pate our  inftitution ;  and  frankly  declare 
that  our  errors  and  crimes  are  from  another 
fource,  the  weaknefs  and  depravity  of  human 
nature,  the  incitements  to  evil  and  the  cor- 
ruptions of  the  world,  to  which  all  alike  are 
expofed. 

A  DISTINCTION  muft  bc  made  between 
what  is  attributive  to  Free  Mafonry,  and  what 
is  not ;  between  what  is  within  its  influence, 
and  what  is  beyond  its  fphere.  For  though 
we  may  fafely  declare  that  it  is  impracticable 
to  afcend  into  thefe  regions  without  improve- 
ment of  the  heart  and  enlargement  of  the  un- 
derftanding,  and  without  carrying  along  with 


Free  Mafonry,  ^ij 

us  into  the  world  we  are  obliged  to  a^l 
in,  fome thing  to  purify  our  conduft  and 
itieliorate  our  condition  :  yet  we  do  not 
pretend  that  Free  Mafonry  was  inftituted  for 
the  exprefs  purpofes  of  teaching  morals. 
And  though  all  its  rites,  ceremonies  and 
charges,  imply  the  neceflity  and  exprefs  the 
importance  of  piety  and  virtue,  and  with  im- 
preflive  folemnity  inculcate  their  obferv- 
ance  j  yet  it  never  profelTed  to  be  a  fubftitute 
for  natural  or  revealed  religion,  nor  to  pre- 
fcribe  the  faith,  regulate  the  confcience,  or 
control  the  judgment  of  any.  It  has 
enough  liberality  to  allow  each  man  to  be 
"  free,"  but  fo  much  reftraint  as  to  prevent 
him  from  ufmg  his  liberty  for  "  a  cloak  o£ 
licentioufnefs." 

We  are  the  more  particular  in  making 
this  difcrimination,  becaufe  fome  late  writers 
have  fuggefted  that  Mafonry  profeffes  to 
fuperfede  all  religions,  and  to  introduce  a 
moral  code  of  its  own  in  their  ftead. 

2.  Many  are  fo  uncharitable  as  to  lay 
the  blame   of  every  thing  erroneous  in  the 


2i6  On  the  heji  way  of  defending 

fcntiments  or  reprehenfible  in  the  conduct  o£ 
a  Mafon,  to  the  regulations  or  principles  of 
the  inftitution  to  which  he  belongs ;  falfely 
arguing,  or  obliquely  infinuating  that  be- 
caufe  he  was  reproachable,  that  muft  have 
bafe  and  immoral  tendencies.  ' 

Now,  this  mode  of  reafoning  is  not 
perfectly  juft.  It  is  not  fair  to  predicate 
worthleflhefs  of  that  profeffion  which  may 
have  fome  unworthy  profeflbrs. 

But  if  Free  Mafonry  has  not  made  us 
better^  is  it  certain  it  has  made  us  worfe? 
Are  we  more  loofe  in  our  principles,  more 
unjuft  in  our  actions,  more  niggardly  in  our 
difpofitions,  or  more  parfimonious  in  our 
charity,  than  before  we  entered  the  lodge  ? 
Are  we  more  fo  than  thofe  who  are  not  of 
the  fraternity  ?  Are  the  moft  thorough 
Mafons  confpicuous  as  the  moft  notorious 
villains,  the  moft  daring  infidels,  oi:  the 
moft  iniidious  jacobins  ?  Or  are  the  bafe,  the 
atheiftical,  and  the  fadious  always  Mafons  ? 

We  confefs,  with  forrow,  that  there  are 
fome  of  our  order  who  defer ve  not  its  pror 


Free  Mafvnry,  2 1 7 

tedion  and  diflionor  its  name.  But  would 
our  oppofers  wifh  to  conclude  from  that  ? 
that  all  Mafons  are  fimilar  to  them  ?  Is  it  right 
to  argue  thus  ?  Are  fuch  inferences  admitted 
in  eftimating  other  profeffions  ?  Doth  the 
perfidy  of  a  fingle  Judas  give  grounds  to 
conclude  that  all  the  other  difciples  were 
faithlefs  and  traitors  ?  Why,  then,  is  a 
mode  of  reafoning  which  is  never  juftified 
in  any  other  cafes,  only  fupportable  when 
directed  againft  Free  Mafonry  ? 

But  if  we  have  been  difgraced  by  fome, 
who  have  walked  unworthy  of  their  pro- 
feffion  J  fo  likewife  have  we  been  honored 
by  others,  who  would  reflecH;  luftre  on  any 
fociety.  Admitting  that  there  may  be  feen 
among  us  fome  whofe  conduct  deferves  the 
odium  of  all  the  wife  and  good  ;  are  there 
not  others,  whofe  actions  even  prejudice 
cannot  cenfure,  and  whofe  virtues  even 
malignity  dare  not  impeach  ?  If  Mafonry  be 
made  refponfible  for  the  ill  conduft  of  the 
few;  ought  it  not,  in  all  reafon,  to  have 
credit  for  the  good  condu£l;  of  the  many  ? 


2 1 8  On  the  hejl  way  of  defending 

The  greateft  charaders  in  the  world  have 
laid  alide  their  dignities,  and  put  themfelves 
on  a  level  with  us.  Not  that  I  would  have 
it  imagined  that  Free  Mafonry  can  derive 
any  authenticity  or  importance  from  the 
celebrity  of  thofe  who  belong  to  the  fociety : 
it  being  rather  calculated  to  confer  refpect- 
ability,  than  neceflitated  to  borrow  it.  Yet, 
when  we  find  in  every  period  of  its  hiftory 
fome  of  the  firft  rate  characters  in  every 
eftimable  refpect,  belonging  to  it  and  glory- 
ing in  it,  the  conclufion  cannot  be  confidered 
extremely  arrogant,  that  the  inftitution  has 
fome  real  excellence ;  at  leaft,  that  it  is  not 
fo  "frivolous'*  or  "dangerous"  a  combina- 
tion as  fome  would  fain  reprefent  it.  It  is 
not  to  be  fuppofed  that  the  great,  the  wife, 
and  the  good,  of  all  ages,  would  have  given 
it  their  decided  fupport,  had  they  found  it 
containing  any  intrinfic  principles  repugnant 
to  the  interefts  of  fociety,  or  hoftile  to  their 
religious  principles.  Would  they  not,  ra- 
ther,, have  been  the  firft  to  have  proclaimed 
the  evil  of  its  tendency,  and  to  have  avowed 
their  condemnation  of  its  fpirit  and  defign  ? 


Free  Mafonry.  219 

Suffer  me  now,  in  conclufion,  my  breth- 
ren, briefly  to  point  out  what  I  confider  the 
beft,  I  might  fay  the  only  effectual  method 
of  vindicating  the  principles  and  re-eftablifli- 
ing:  the  credit  of  the  order. 

To  remove  the  veil  which  mifinformatlon 
and  prejudice  have  thrown  over  the  eyes  of 
our  enemies,  it  remains  for  us  to  convince 
them  by  our  lives  of  the  truth  of  our  decla- 
rations ;  and  to  let  our  conduct  be  a  letter 
of  recommendation,  "  feen  and  read  of  all 
men." 

This  is  a  kind  of  conviction  which  muft 
at  length  prevail  over  the  moft  obftinate  and 
unyielding  prepoffeflions. 

A  GOOD  life  is  an  unanfwerable  refutation 
of  every  charge. 

By  a  life  and  converfation  regulated  by 
wifdom  and  fandioned  by  virtue  ;  by  dif- 
charging  every  duty  with  integrity  and  fidel- 
ity ;  and  by  exercifing  to  all  around  us  every 
friendly  and  tender   office  of  charity  5    we 


220  0)f  the  hejl  way  of  defending 

fliall  demonftratlvely  prove  that  our  inftltu- 
tion  does  not  train  us  up  in  demoralizing 
principles  ;  and  that  they  are  either  ignorant 
or  foolifh  men  who  have  faid  that  it  did. 

By  piety  towards  God  and  faith  in  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  ;  by  a  veneration  for 
the  gofpel^  an  exemplary  obedience  to  its 
precepts,  and  a  regular  obfervance  of  its  infti- 
tutions  ;  we  fhall  get  clear  of  the  charge  of 
being  "  Antichriftian  Confpirators." 

Lastly  :  By  our  zeal  for  the  interefts  of 
our  country  ;  by  maintaining,  fupporting, 
and  defending  its  civil  and  religious  rights 
and  liberties  ;  by  paying  all  due  allegiance, 
honor,  and  fubmiflion  to  its  magiftrates,  fu- 
preme  and  fubordinate  ;  by  leading  peace- 
able lives  in  all  godlinefs  and  honefty  ;  and 
by  endeavoring  to  promote  harmony  and 
good  will,  condefcenfion  and  fubordination 
among  all  orders  of  men  ;  we  Ihall  put  to 
filence  the  opprobrious  allegations  of  thofe 
who  ftrive  to  prejudice  the  public  againft 
Free  Mafonry  by  infmuating  that  it  is  "  the 


Free  Mafonry*  2ii 

hot-bed  of  fedition,'*  and  fraught  with  pur- 
pofes  for  the  fubverfion  of  all  government 
and  rule,  all  thrones,  principalities  and  pow- 
ers. 

Thus,  my  brethren, 

**  We'll  diffipate  each  dark  and  threatening  cloud 
That  prejudice  and  calumny  can  raife, 

By  radiant  probity  of  heart  and  life. 
And  perfevering  deeds  of  love  and  peace." 

Defended  and  illuftrated  by  an  edifying 
example.  Free  Mafonry  will  yet  triumph  in 
its  influence,  and  be  refpeded  in  its  effeds. 

While  we  evince  in  praSlke  thofe  princi- 
ples we  profefs  in  theory^  our  inftitution  will 
"  have  a  good  report  of  all  men,  and  of  the 
truth  itfelf  j"  and  thofe  who  "  fpeak  evil  of 
us  as  evil  doers,  will  be  alhamed,**  feeing 
they  falfely  accufe  and  mifreprefent  us. 

Regulated  by  the  precepts  of  wifdom, 
fupported  by  the  Jirength  of  virtue,  and  a- 
dorned  with  the  beauty  of  beneficence,  our 
adions  will  efcape  cenfure,  if  they  meet  not 
praife.     If  we  live  within  compafs,  act  upon 


•222  On  the  bejl  iv^y  of  defending 

the  fquare,  fubdue  the  paflions,  keep  a  tongue 
of  good  report,  maintain  truth  and  praftifc 
charity  ;  we  Ihall  not  only  difplay  the  prin- 
ciples, but  honor  the  caufe  we  have  efpoufed. 
Such  an  exemplification  of  its  tendencies, 
will  do  more  to  wipe  away  the  unfavorable 
impreffions  which  any  have  received  againft 
the  inftitution,  and  will  more  eiFedually  con- 
ciliate their  efteem  of  it,  than  all  the  reafon- 
ing  of  labored  argument,  or  all  the  eloquence 
of  verbal  panegyric. 

Then,  as  we  honor  our  profeffion,  our 
profeflion  will  be  an  honor  to  us. 

Remember,  brethren,  that  the  interefts  of 
Free  Mafonry  are  in  your  hands.  Be  careful 
then,  not  to  blend  with  it  your  weakneffes, 
nor  to  ftain  it  with  your  vices.  Confider 
how  much  the  world  expeds  of  you  ;  and 
how  unwilling  to  make  you  any  abatements. 
Confider  with  what  dignity,  fidelity,  and 
rcfpeftability  you  ought  to  fupport  the  char- 
after  you  bear :  and  render  the  name  of  Free 
Mafon  illuftrious,  as  defignating  worth  and 
virtue  of  fuperior  ftamp. 


Free  Mnfonry,  223 

It  is  highly  incumbent  on  you  to  "  walk 
in  wifdom  towards  them  that  are  without  •,'* 
doing  nothing  that  Ihould  render  your  prin- 
ciples fufpicious,  or  difgrace  your  inftitution 
in  their  eyes,  nothing  that  iliould  give  them 
new  Gccalion  of  diflike,  or  increafe  their  for- 
mer prejudices.  For,  "  be  affured  that,  if  in 
your  conduct  you  forget  that  you  are  men  ; 
the  world,  with  its  ufual  feverity  will  remem- 
ber that  you  are  Mafons*^ 

While  ambitious  of  obtaining  the  favor- 
able opinion  of  men,  let  us  not  be  regardlefs 
of  the  honor  that  cometh  from  God.  His 
approbation  will  make  us  ample  amends  for  all 
we  may  fuffer  from  their  evil  furmifmgs  and 
unjuil  reproaches.  Let  us,  therefore,  feek  to 
pleafe  God  rather  than  men.  Remembering 
that  we  are  his  fervants  ;  let  us  be  fervent  in 
fpirit,  ferving  him  with  fideliity,  conftancy, 
and  zeal.  Let  the  fenfe  of  his  adorable  pref- 
ence  never,  for  a  moment,  be  eftranged  from 
pur  minds.  May  all  our  conduct  be  ftriclly 
and  invariably  directed  by  his  will  and  word. 
May  we  "  walk  worthy  of  the  Lord  unto  all 


224      On  the  heft  way  of  defending^  l^c, 

pleafing  :**  and  "  when  a  man's  ways  pleafe 
the  Lord,  he  maketh  even  his  enemies  to  bp 
at  peace  with  him." 

To  CONCLUHE  : 

If,  Brethren,  we  have  any  true  love  for 
Mafonry  5  if  we  have  at  heart  the  honor  and 
the  intereft  of  this  moft  antient  and  venera- 
ble inftitution  \  we  fhall  be  careful,  not  only 
to  rule  and  govern  our  faith,  but  to  fquare 
our  actions  by  the  holy  word  of  God  :  and, 
while  with  each  other  we  literally  walk  upon 
the  level,  may  we  keep  within  due  bounds 
with  all  mankind.  Thus  Ihall  we  merit  and 
obtain  the  reputation,  not  only  of  "  good 
men  and  true,"  but  of  wife  and  Ikilful,  Free 
and  accepted  Mafons.*  And  when  he  who 
is  "  the  firft  born  among  many  brethren," 
fliall  agaih  appear  "  to  be  glorified  in  his 
faints  and  admired  in  all  them  that  believe," 
may  he  pronounce  our  commendation  and 
defignate  our  reward  by  this  declaration, 
"  thefe  fhall  walk  with  me  in  white,  for 
they  are  worthy  1" 

*  Bro.  Benjamin  Green's  Or  aim  lef«ri  ihe  Philanthropic 
Lodge,  June  24,  1797,  page  22. 


1^1  imnuatamtm&migimmBmmmmti^ 


DISCOURSE  XII, 


yjLEDICTORY 


DISCOURSE  XII. 


On  resigning  the  Office  of  CHAPLAIN  to  the  GRAND 
LODGE  OF  MASSACHUSETTS,  December  27,  1799. 


As  the  time  has  now  arrived,  my 
brethren,  when  I  am  to  retire  from  the  office 
with  which  I  have  for  feveral  years  been 
honored,  and  fhall  not  again  addrefs  you  in 
public  ;  I  am  defirous  of  leaving  with  you, 
now,  my  laft  counfels  and  my  beft  wiflies. 

As  Chaplain  to  the  grand  lodge,  I  have 
been  repeatedly  called  upon,  both  to  lead  the 
devotional  exercifes,  and  to  perform  the  pre- 
ceptive duties  on  public  confecrations  and 
feftivals.  During  the  courfe  of  this  fervice 
I  have  endeavored,  to  the  beft  of  my  abilities, 
to  illuftrate  the  genius  and  to  vindicate  the 
principles  of  our  inftitution  ;  and,  while 
inculcating  upon  the  members  a  regard  to 
its  duties,  to  imprefs  the  community  at  large 


^pr 


228  Vakdidory  Difcourfe, 

with  a  favorable  opinion  of  its  defign  and 
tendency.  And  you  have  not  only  liftened 
to  my  inftruftions  with  attention,  but  have 
.  expreffed,  in  the  moft  flattering  terms,  your 
acknowledgment  of  my  fidelity  and  your 
approbation  of  my  zeal.  To  have  acquitted 
myfelf,  in  any  degree,  to  your  fatisfadion^ 
in  my  addrefles  to  you,  and  in  my  public  vin- 
dication of  the  Fraternity,  is  a  circumftance 
upon  which  I  fliall  reflect  with  grateful  fenfi- 
biiity  fo  long  as  I  live. 

Desirous  of  improving  the  interefl:  I  have 
obtained  in  your  regards  for  the  purpofe  of 
animating  you  to  a  fpirit  and  conduft  becom- 
ing the  antient  and  honorable  inftitution  to 
which  you  belong,  I  beg  your  attention  to  a 
few  parting  counfels  upon  feveral  topics  of 
great  importance  to  your  credit  and  your 
happinefs  as  masons. 

With  this  view  \  have,  according  to  cler-r 
ical  cufl:om,  felecled  a  text  for  my  difcourfe 
from  the  facred  fcriptures.  As  pertinent  to 
my  fituation  and  my  defign,  I  fliall  make  ufe 
of  that  paflage  inferted  in  th^ 


VeledlBory  Difcourfe.  229 

2   COR.  XIII.  II. 

FINALLY,  BRETHREN,  FAREWELL.  BE  PERFCT.  BE 
OF  GOOD  COMFORT.  BE  OF  ONE  MIND.  LIFE  IN 
PEACE  ;  AND  THE  GOD  OF  LOVE  AND  PEACE 
SHALL   BE   WITH  YOU. 

This  is  the  affectionate  farewell  which  the 
Apoftle  Paul  took  of  his  chtiftian  friends  at 
Corinth.  Its  import  is  this  :  May  all  joy 
and  happinefs  ever  attend  you  !  That  this 
may  be  the  cafe,  make  it  your  care  to  amend 
whatever  is  amifs  among  you,  and  rife  to 
the  greateft  perfection  in  virtue.  Support 
and  help  one  another  in  afHiclion  :  and  may 
you  be  yourfelves  comforted  with  thofe 
flrong  confolations  which  true  chriftianity 
fuggefts.  Cultivate  for  each  other  an  en- 
deared attachment,  and  retain  an  intire 
unanimity.  And  let  me  urge  it  upon  you 
that  ye  be  peaceable  in  your  demeanor,  and 
charitable  in  your  fentiments  ;  for  then  the 
God  of  love  and  peace  will  gracioufly  own 
and  blefs  y  ou,  and  be  your  prefent  helper 
and  everlafting  portion. 

In  like  terms,  and  with   like  cordiality, 
would  I  apply  this  pathetic  counfel  to  you. 


2^0  ValediSlory  Difcourfe, 

my  moft  valued  friends,  and  echo  thefe  pious 
willies  on  your  behalf.  But,  as  your  chrif- 
iian  duties  are  inculcated  on  other  occafions, 
there  is  no  propriety  in  my  dwelling  particu- 
larly on  them  now  ;  I  fhall  confine  myfelf 
principally  to  thofe  that  are  mafonic. 

In  the  kowledge  and  obfervance  of  thefe 
alfo,  Brethren,  be  perfect. 

I.  To  be  thoroughly  inftru^ted  in  the  lee- 
itires^  well  acquainted  with  the  ceremonies^  and 
complete  in  the  degrees  of  free  masonry,  is 
the  ambition  of  all.  But  by  this  very  incli- 
nation, laudable  as  it  undoubtedly  is,  fome 
are  prompted  to  a  more  rapid  progrefs 
through  its  for7ns  than  is  confiftent  with  a 
clear  and  adequate  comprehenfion  of  its  prin- 
ciples. Hence  they  gain  but  a  fuperficial,  or 
at  beft  only  a  theoretical  and  fpeculative 
knowledge  of  its  fublime  arcana  :  and,  not 
applying  to  pradice  its  fymbols  and  its  rules, 
they  do  not  live  in  its  influence  nor  exhibit 
its  effecls.  They  miftake  the  procefs  for 
the  refult  ;  and  reft  in  the  means,  without 
attaining  the  end* 


Valedidory  Difcourfe,  231 

Masonry  is  an  art  of  great  compafs  and 
extent.  A  knowledge  of  its  myfteries  is  not 
attained  at  once,  but  by  degrees.  By  much 
inftruclion  and  affiduous  application,  ad- 
vances are  made.  Every  ftep  is  progreffive, 
and  opens  new  liglit  and  information.  "  Ac- 
cording to  the  progrefs  we  make  we  limit 
or  extend  our  inquiries  ;  and,  in  proportion 
to  our  capacity,  we  attain  to  a  lefs  or  a  great- 
er degree  of  perfection.*'* 

He  who  knows  the  names  and  under- 
ftands  the  application  of  the  various  tools 
and  implements  of  the  craft,  is,  to  be  fure, 
thereby  thoroughly  furnifhed  to  every  good 
work;  but  he,  only,  who  ufes  and  applies 
them  to  intelleftual,  moral,  and  focial  edi- 
fication, is  the  workman  that  ncedeth  not  to 
be  afhamed. 

Therefore,  in  exhorting  you  to  be  per- 

fed:  in  masonry^   I  intend,  not  merely  that 

you   Ihould   be   expert   in  the   lectures,  or 

eager  to  rife  through  its  degrees ;  but  that 

*  Preston, 


232  VekdiSlory  Difcourfe. 

you  fhould  enter  into  the  fpirit  of  its  folenfln 
rites,  and  learn  the  full  import  of  its  inter- 
efting  fymbols ;  that  you  Ihould  be  perfect 
in  the  knowledge  and  in  the  application  of 
its  principles,  in  the  pofTeflion  of  the  virtues 
it  expedls,  and  in  the  difcharge  of  the  duties 
it  enjoins. 

2.  Moreover,  my  brethren,  be  of  good 

COMFORT. 

There  are,  indeed,  many  troubles  in  the 
iot  of  humanity  ;  and  you,  like  others,  are 
expofed  tO'  them.  But  be  not  difmayed. 
By  our  excellent  inftitution  you  are  furnifh- 
cd  with  preventives  or  remedies  againft: 
moft  of  them,  and  with  fupports  and  folacei 
under  all.  You  have  a  retreat,  over  which 
the  chane:es  of  the  world  have  not  the  leafl 
power.  They  reach  not  its  peaceful  recefles : 
they  intrude  not  on  its  facred  quiet.  Your 
cares,  perplexities,  and  misfortunes,  follow 
you  not  into  the  lodge.  You  leave  them 
behind  you,  with  the  agitated  fcene  of 
which  they  are  a  part  j  and  come  hither  to 


Vdledidory  Difcourfe,  33.^ 

partake  the  fweet  comfort  of  brotherly  love, 
the  bland  alleviations  of  fympathy,  or  the 
effeclual  relief  of  charity  and  beneficenccj 
when  that  is  wanted  alfo. 

Here  you  are  introduced  to  alTociates 
whofe  warm  and  generous  fouls,  whofe  en- 
lightened and  elevated  minds,  are  drawn 
towards  each  other  by  wiflies  the  moft  virtu- 
ous and  fentiments  the  moft  fublime.  Here 
you  enter  into  a  faithful,  tender,  and  refined 
FRIENDSHIP.  In  this  intimate  and  endeared 
connection,  the  inclinations  are  free,  the 
feelings  genuine,  the  fentiments  unbialTed. 
And  the  undifguifed  communication  of 
thoughts  and  wifhes,  of  pleafures  and  pains, 
fhews  that  the  confidence  is  mutual,  fincere, 
and  intire.  Advice,  confolation,  fuccour,- 
are  reciprocally  given  and  received,  under 
all  the  accidents  and  misfortunes  of  life* 
And  what  forrow  can  refift  the  confolation 
that  flows  from  an  intercourfe  fo  tender  and 
fo  kind  ?  The  pains  and  troubles  of  a  wound- 
ed heart  will  foon  be  alleviated  or  cured ! 
The  clouds  which  overfliadowed  the  profpect 


234  VakdiBory  Difcourfe. 

win  quickly  fade  away.  Light  will  break  in 
upon  the  view,  and  hope  and  joy  gild  and 
decorate  the  fcene. 

Yes,  my  brethren,  in  coming  hither  you 
gather  reftoration  from  the  paft,  refrefhment 
for  the  prefent,  and  refources  againft  the 
future  :  and  you  return  back  to  the  world, 
with  a  calm,  refolute,  and  well  fortified 
mind,  better  fitted  to  meet  the  trials,  and 
better  enabled  to  bear  the  burdens  of  life. 

In  fad,  in  the  very  courfe  of  pafilng 
through  the  feveral  grades,  you  acquire  a 
Jirm  andjleady  refolution  of  mind ^  prepared  for 
every  reverfe,  fuperior  to  every  fhock.  You 
learn  the  difcipline  of  virtue  j  you  liften  to 
the  inftruclions  of  wifdom  ;  and,  following 
a  faithful  and  unerring  guide,  you  ^ut  your 
truji  in  God,  and  fear  nothing. 

"  Wherefore,  we  befeech  you  brethren, 
comfort  yourfelves  together  and  edify  one 
another,  even  as  alfo  you  do  :"  and  be  par- 
ticularly attentive  to  the  circumflances  of 
the  afllided  and  the  wants  of  the  dellitute, 
"  that  their  hearts  may  alfo  be  comforted  by 


Valedidory  Difcourfe,  235 

being  knit  together  in  love'*  with  thofe  who 
have  difpofitions  to  fympathize  with  their 
forrows  and  willingnefs  to  fupply  their 
need  1* 

On  another  fcore,  too,  I  would  exhort 
you  to  be  of  good  comfort  ;  and  that  is,  with  re- 
fpect  to  the  reflections  lately  caft  upon  the 
order  to  which  you  belong. 

Though  the  ignorant  fufpect,  and  the 
prejudiced  ftigmatize  your  views  and  labors, 
"  fear  ye  not  their  reproaches,  neither  be 
afraid  of  their  revilings.**  Notwithftanding 
all  their  united  attacks  and  pertinacious  op- 
polition,  Mafonry  will  flill  retain  its  influence 
and  its  credit  ;  and,  like  its  own  well  com- 
pacled  arch,  will  even  be  rendered  more  firm 
and  ftrong  by  the  preffure  and  the  weight  it 
bears. 


*  "  To  relieve  the  diftrcfled,  is  a  duty  incumbent  on  all  men ; 
but  particularly  on  Mafons,  who  are  linked  together  by  an  indilfo- 
lublc  chain  of  linccre  afFeAion.  To  footh  the  unhappy,  to  fym- 
pathize with  their  misfortunes,  to  compaffionate  their  miferies, 
and  to  reftore  peace  to  their  troubled  minds,  is  the  grand  aim  wc 
have  in  view.  On  this  balis  we  eftablifli  our  friendihips  and 
fcnn  our  conne<5tions."    Preston's  Uhjirations  of  M'jS'""^3'>  P-  54- 


9,^6  Vakdidory  Difcourfe, 

It  is  rendered  Hill  more  fecure  if  the 
members  grow  more  and  more  united  in 
judgment  and  afFedlion  to  each  other,  and  in 
their  attachment  to  the  antient  conftitutions^ 
privileges  and  principles  of  the  craft.  This 
is  the  more  neceffary  at  the  prefent  day,  be- 
caufe  one  of  our  moft  formidable  opponents 
commences  the  deduction  of  his  "  Proofs'* 
with  an  account  of  "  the  fchifms  in  Ma- 
fonry.** 

Let  me,  therefore,  in  the  third  place ^  enjoin 
it  upon  you  to  be  of  one  mind. 

Among  the  variety  of  duties  incumbent 
upon  you,  remember  that  there  is  none 
more  effential  to  the  prefervation,  none  more 
efficacious  to  the  welfare  of  our  inftitution 
than  UNANIMITY,  This  makes  the  ceiimit^ 
the  great  principle  of  cohefion,  which  gives 
compadnefs  to  all  the  parts  and  members  ; 
forms  them  into  a  regular  ftructure,  into  one 
uniform  building  ;  and  adds  harmony  and 
beauty,  firmnefs  and  ftability  to  the  whole. 
Or,  it  may  be  likened  to  the  key-Jlone  which 
compads  and  ftrengthens  the  arch  on  which 
the  edifice  is  fupported  and  upheld, 


Valedicfory  Difcourfe.  237 

A  CORDIAL  afFeclion  is  the  life  and  foul  of 
all  focieties,  and  muft  be  much  more  fo  of 
thofe  who  pretend  to  affociate  together  upon 
the  nobleft  maxims  of  charity  and  friendlhip. 

Unity  is  the  sfolden  chain  which  binds 
our  willing  hearts,  and  holds  together  our 
happy  fociety  :  the  principle  on  which  de- 
pends its  internal  harmony  and  its  outward 
profperity. 

Jars  and  difcords  among  the  brethren 
will  not  only  loofen  the  cement  of  the  well 
joined  fabric,  but  fap  its  very  foundation. 
*'  Need  I  mention,  fays  a  Rev.  Brother,  need 
I  mention  the  malicious  triumph  which  any 
fchifm  or  conteft  among  us  would  give  to 
the  enemies  of  our  antient  Craft  ?  A  fadious 
fpirit  would  foon  check  the  progrefs  of  true 
Mafonry,  and  ftrengthen  every  vulgar  preju- 
dice againft  us."* 

As  in  the  erecting  of  the  temple  of  Solomon 
every  thing  was  fo  prepared  that  "  there  was 
neither  hammer,  nor  axe,  nor  any  iron  tool 
heard  in  the  houfe  while  it  was  building  ;" 

*  Dh  James  Grant's  Sermon  at  Greenwich,  Jim:  34,  1774. 


238  ValediElory  Difccurfe, 

fo  of  Free  Mafons  it  has  always  been  the  boaft 
that  they  perfect  the  work  of  edification,  by 
quiet  and  orderly  methods,  "  without  the 
hammer  of  contention,  the  axe  of  divifion, 
or  any  tool  of  mifchief." 

I  SPEAK  then  a  language  harmonious  in 
your  ears  and  congenial  to  your  hearts,  when 
I  fay  that  you  are  "  kindly  affecbioned  one 
to  another."  and  "  perfectly  joined  together 
in  the  fame  mind  and  the  fame  judgment  ;'* 
walking  by  one  rule  and  following  the  fame 
thinj 


'o* 


Having  but  one  intereft  and  one  objc^l  ; 
the  benefit  and  the  advancement  of  the 
whole  J  be  perfuaded  to  purfue  it  with  con- 
curring harmony  and  joint  agreement. 
While  particularly  interefted  in  the  welfare 
of  the  lodge  to  which  you  individually  be- 
long, be  regardful  of  the  general  welfare. 
And  let  there  be  no  other  conteft  among  you 
than  that  moft  honorable  of  all  contefts,  -who 
jhall  do  the  moji  good. 

"  Behold,  how  good  and  how  pleafant 
it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity. 


ValediBory  Difcourfe.  i^^ 

It  is  like  the  precious  ointment  upon  the 
head,  that  ran  down  upon  the  beard,  even 
Aaron's  beard  ;  that  went  down  to  the 
Ikirts  of  his  garments.  As  the  dew  of  Her- 
mon,  and  as  the  dew  that  defcended  upon 
the  mountains  of  Zion  ;  for  there  the  Lord 
commanded  the  blefling,  even  life  forever- 
more  !'* 

To  bind  you  more  firmly  together  in  the 
bonds  of  unity^  and  to  ftrengthen  the  ties  of 
brotherly  love,  has  been  an  aim  ever  kept  in 
view  in  my  difcourfes  before  the  fraternity  : 
and,  in  this  my  final  addrefs,  "  I  befeech  you, 
brethren,  that  ye  all  fpeak  the  fame  thing, 
and  that  there  be  no  divifions  among  you  !" 
"  Fulfil  ye  my  joy  that  ye  be  like-minded, 
having  the  fame  love,  being  of  one  accord, 
of  one  mind." 

I  have  but  one  direction  more. 

Live  in  peace. 

This  is  a  natural  effed,  and  will  be  the 
certain  refult  of  that  unanimity  and  concord 
of  which  I  have  juft  fpokcn. 


^4®  Valedidory  Difcourfe, 

So  often  have  I,  on  former  occafions,  ex- 
patiated upon  the  pacific  genius  of  Free  Ma- 
fonry,  and  on  the  necefiity  and  beauty  of  a 
correfpondent  conduct  in  its  members,  that  I 
need  now  only  repeat  my  earneft  defires 
that  you  would  invariably,  unitedly,  and 
affeftionately  "  follow  after  peace,'*  and 
*'  ftudy  the  things  that  make  for  peace"  and 
^re  conducive  to  mutual  edification. 

It  has  been  well  obferved  that,  "  no  fplcn- 
dor  of  talents,  no  endowment  of  body  or 
mind,  can  be  put  in  comj>etition  with  thofe 
humble  but  lovely  virtues  which  ferve  to 
make  us  endearing  and  endeared.  Abilities 
alone  may  excite  admiration,  the  tribute  of 
the  UNDERSTANDING  ;  but,  joined  with  amen- 
ity of  manners,  they  never  fail  to  conciliate 
offedion,  the  better  tribute  of  the  heart." 

Let  it  always  be  knov/n  that  we  belong 
to  a  fociety,  cemented  by  union ^  and  edified 
with  peace  :  where  all  the  members  are  invi- 
olably attached  to  the  general  good,  and 
harmonioufly  confpire  in  its  promotion  ; 
where  unfeigned   affection  prevails  ;  wher€ 


Vakdi&ory  Dlfcourfe.  241 

every  man  is  the  fincere  friend  of  every 
man  ;  in  a  word,  where  all  vigoroufly  and 
cheerfully  exert  themfelves  in  ads  of  kind- 
nefs  and  labors  of  love.  Such  principles, 
furely,  will  advance  and  eftablifli  the  happi- 
nefs  of  the  whole,  and  the  welfare  of  each 
individual  :  and  upon  fuch  principles  our 
fociety  hath  bidden  defiance  to  oppolition, 
and  been  fecured  from  diffolution  or  decay. 

Glory  to  God  in  the  higheft,  peace  on 
earth,  and  good  will  towards  men,  is  the 
difpofition  and  the  defire  of  every  Free  and 
Accepted  Mafon.  With  fuch  a  temper, 
brethren,  you  will  enjoy  the  fatisfadion  of 
your  own  hearts,  the  approbation  and  con- 
currence of  all  the  wife  and  good,  and  the 

GOD    OF    LOVE    AND  PEACE    WILL    BE  WITH 

YOU.  That  divine  Being,  who  is  the  author 
of  peace  and  the  lover  of  concord,  will  ren- 
der your  endeavors  fuccefsful,  and  reward 
them  with  the  bleflings  of  time  and  the  glo- 
ries of  eternity  ! 

Finally,  brethren,  farewell  !  Ac- 
cept the  beft  wifhes,  as  you  {hare  in  the  beft 
affections  of  my  heart  ! 


242  VafediSlory  Difcoitrfe, 

The  fpecial  relation  in  which  I  have  flood 
to  you  will  now  ceafe  ;  but  the  affection 
connefted  with  it,  and  the  gratitude  arifing 
from  it,  will  ever  remain. 

My  particular  thanks  are  due  to  the  officers 
and  members  of  the  grand  lodge  for  the  hon- 
ors and  the  patronage  with  which  they  have 
diflinguifhed  me.  And  I  intreat  them,  with 
MY  BRETHREN  ALL,  to  acccpt  my  warmcft 
acknowledgments  for  their  alliflance  and 
kindnefs.  Their  attentions  have  been  fo 
flattering,  their  benevolence  fo  diiinterefted, 
their  bounty  fo  liberal,  their  fympathy  fo  ten- 
der, that  I  mufl  be  inexcufably  infenfible  not 
to  feel ;  and  feeling,  criminally  ungrateful 
not  to  exprefs,  my  many  obligations. 

The  affecting  adieu  I  am  now  taking,  brings 
forcibly  to  mind  the  laji  folemn  parting,  when 
DEATH  fhall  feparate  me  from  thofe  whom  I 
have  cordially  loved ;  whofe  fociety  made 
the  charm  of  my  moft  privileged  moments  % 
and  to  whom,  under  Providence,  I  owe  mofl 
of  my  earthly  profperity. 

Tender  and  faithful  friends  !  Death  is 
haflening  to  interrupt,  it  cannot  diffolve, 
our  union.  No  !  Virtuous  attachments  are 
eternal.  They  are  renewed  in  Heaven.  We 
meet  again  there,  to  part  no  more  / 


MASONIC  EULOGY. 


Delivered   at  WORCESTER,   June    24,  A.  L.  1794,  on  the 

Festival  of  ST.   JOHN   THE  BAPTIST,  before   the 

Officers     and     Brethren    oe     the     MORNING 

STAR   LODGE,  in    that    town,   joined     by 

TRINITY  LODGE  from  LANCASTER. 


RESPECTED  HEARERS^ 

jL  OU  fee  before  you  a  band  of 
BROTHERS,  connefted  with  each  other  by  the 
firmeft  engagements  and  moft  afFe<5iionate 
ties.  Warmed  with  the  moft  general  philan- 
thropy, they  profefs  to  unite  their  endeavors 
in  the  benevolent  delign  of  aflifting  the  per- 
fection of  the  human  character,  and  the  har- 
mony and  happinefs  of  fociety.  Their  infti- 
lution  boafts  its  origin  in  the  earlieft  ages  of 


244  ^  Mafonic  Eulogy. 

the  world  ;  and  it  retains  its  antient  laws 
uncorrupted,  its  venerable  rites  and  expref- 
iive  fymhoh  unchanged,  and  its  primeval  cerC' 
monies  intire.  The  ftupendous  pyramids 
which  were  raifed,  the  lofty  obelilks  infcrib- 
edj  and  the  magnificent  temples  built,  by  ma- 
fonic  hands,  have  yielded  to  the  ravages  of 
time  ;  but  the  inftitution  itfelf  has  furvived 
their  overthrow,  and  outlived  their  glory* 
It  will  CO  ntinue  ftill,  and  flourifli,  till 

"  The  great  globe  itfelf, 

And  all  which  it  inherit,  be  deftroyed. 
And,  like  the  bafelefs  fabric  of  a  vifion, 
Leave  not  a  wreck  behind." 

Had  we  leifure,  it  would  be  an  interefting 
md  entertaining  refearch  to  trace  its  progrefs 
through  the  various  ftages  of  fociety  it  has 
fucceffively  improved  and  adorned  :  To  fee 
its   early   honors  in   Egypt  j*  its  CONSE- 

*  Thofe  who  have  moft  minutely  inveftlgated  antient  hiftory, 
will  have  reafon  to  date  the  origin  of  the  Egyptian  myftcries  at 
the  times  of  Joseph  ;  who,  not  being  able  to  fubvert  the  idolatry 
and  fuperlVition  of  the  country,  and  introduce  his  own  purer  faith, 
communicated  to  feledt  friends,  under  fuitable  cautions,  the 
knowledge  of  the  Divine  unity  and  fpirituality,  of  the  imraor- 
sality  of  the  foul,  and  fome  leading  truths  in  the  patriarchal  re- 


A  Mafonic  Eulogy,  245 

C RATION  at  Jerufalem  j  its  fubfequent  glo- 
ry J  and  its  prefervation,  and  exteniion  "  in 
ages  long  gone  by."  It  is  true  that  in  recur- 
ring to  fome  periods  of  its  remote  hiftory, 
we  fliould  have  occafion  to  lament  that  the 
unfounded  and  illiberal  prejudices  of  too 
many  which  it  could  not  foften,  and  their 
corrupt  paffions  which  it  could  not  fubdue^ 
at  times  denied  the  craft  its  merited  honors, 
oppofed  its  caufe,  and  impeded  its  progrefs.* 

ligion.  Thefe  dogmas  were  tranfmitted  down  ;  but,  through  the 
Japfe  of  ages,  became  fomewhat  obfcured  and  corrupted. 

The  Eleufinian  and  Gentile  myfteries  were  probably  branches 
of  this  more  antient  eftablifliment  ;  and  not  diftindt  inftitutions. 
For  an  account  of  thefe,  confult  jElian,  Var.  Hift.  xii.  c.  24. 
Pausanias,  X.  c.  31.  and  Meursii  Eleufinia  ;  In  torn.  7.  Gronov. 
Antiq.  Gr. 

"  Nor  did  the  priefts  of  the  myfteries  negledl  to  recommend 
to  the  brethren  a  fpirit  of  friendjhip  and  the  love  of  virtue  ;  fo 
plealing  even  to  the  moft  corrupt  minds,  and  fo  requillte  to  render 
uny  fociety  refpeiflable  in  its  own  eyes." 

Gibbon's  obf.  on  the  viith    book  of  the  .^neii,  p.  7, 

*  Prepoffeflion  hurries  people  to  condemn  what  they  will 
not  have  patience  to  undcrftand. 

Happily  at  the  prefent  day  thefe  prejudices  lofe  much  of 
their  priftine  obftinacy.  "  Time  has  allayed  the  violence  of  par- 
ty, and  checked  with  a  cool  difcretion  the  tumults  of  oppolition. 
Mankind,  fuperior  to  national  prediledlion  or  the  barriers  of 
policy  or  prieftcraft,  begin  to  follow  the  genuine  di<5lates  of  rea- 
fon,  and  honor  the  wife  And  the  good  wliatevcr  be  their  fountry 
0»  their  creed." 

^2 


246  A  Mafonic  Eulogy. 

Like  the  sun,  its  emblem,  it  has  at  times 
been  obfcured.  Clouds  and  darknefs  have 
overfliadowed  its  luftre  :  The  clouds  of  error 
and  the  darknefs  of  ignorance.  But  from 
the  temporary  penumbra  it  always  emerged 
with  increafed  fplendor.  And  though  from 
low  minds  mifts  of  prejudice  may  ftill  arife, 
and  dim  the  clearnefs  of  its  horizon,  before 
the  meridian  light  of  reafon,  truth  and  wifdom^ 
they  will  quickly  difappear. 

In  the  dark  ages  Mafonry  yielded  only  a 
faint  and  glimmering  radiance  :  "  A  light 
that  {hined  in  a  dark  place."  But,  when  the 
gloom  of  ignorance  and  barbarifm  was  difr 
pelled,  it  revived  in  its  priftine  confequence 
and  glory. 

Those  who  enter  minutely  into  the 
hiftory  of  this  fociety,  will  find  it  eventful 
and  interefting.  Various  have  been  the 
efforts  wantonly  ufed,  even  in  later  times,  to 
difturb  its  tranquillity  and  diminifli  its  im^ 
portance.  Diflatisfaftion  has,  however,  been 
obliged  to  yield  to  conviction ;  and  the 
groundlefs  imputations  of  enmity,  have  been 


A  Mafonic  Eulogy.  247 

filenced  by  a  difplay  of  the  virtues  the  infti- 
tution  recommends  and  excites,  and  the 
laudable  effects  it  produces.  Among  all  na- 
tions, at  laft,  its  falutary  influence  is  felt, 
and  its  beneficial  tendency  acknowledged. 
And,  (though,  like  the  common  blelling  of 
light,  unheeded  in  its  filent  operation,)  men 
are  ignorantly  indebted  to  it,  as  a  principle, 
for  fome  of  the  moft  difinterefted  exertions 
of  generofity,  and  fome  of  the  fweeteft  inti- 
macies of  endearing  friendfhip  and  fociallife. 

Free  Masons  have  always  confidered 
liberality  as  a  virtue  of  the  moft  general  obli- 
gation and  diffufive  nature.  To  adminifter 
relief  to  the  needy,  and  confolation  to  the 
diftreffed,  is  their  moft  conftant  wifti,  and 
their  higheft  pride  ;  eftablilhing  friendfhip 
and  forming  connexions  not  by  receiving 
but  conferring  benefits  ;  and  diffufing  the 
conveniences  and  comforts  of  life  with  that 
cheerful  readinefs  and  benevolent  impartial- 
ity which  heightens  their  value  and  fweetens 
their  pofTefTion.  Their  bounty  is  not  difH- 
pated  among  thofe  who  can  return  the 
obligation  ;  but   is  frequently  conveyed  to 


24-8  A  Mafonic  Eulogy. 

diftant  lands  and  foreign  cities,  to  the  naked 
and  the  hungry  who  fee  not  the  hand  that 
reaches  out  the  kind  fupply,  and  can  make 
no  acknowledgment  to  their  unknown 
^enefaftors  but  the  ardent  benedidion  of 
gratitude. 

To  communicate  the  bleilings  of  which  we 
are  partakers ;  to  contribute  to  the  fuccefs* 
ful  propagation  of  knowledge,  virtue  and 
peace,  of  the  fciences  and  the  arts,  and  of 
whatever  cultivates  and  adorns  focial  life ; 
and  to  affift  the  advancement  of  human 
happinefs  j  have  ever  been  the  great  objects 
of  this  venerable  aflbciation.  Imprefled  with 
a  due  fenfe  of  their  obligation  to  the  dif- 
charge  of  thefe  duties,  the  members  of  it 
have  fteadily  purfued  fuch  means  as  were 
apparently  moft  conducive  to  the  accom- 
plifhment  of  fo  defirable  an  end :  And  they 
hope  to  furmount  the  obftacles  and  difcour- 
agements  which  retard  its  more  general 
propagation. 

To  refled  on  the  rapid  progrefs  and 
prefent    general    diffuiion    of    the    royal 


A  Mafonic  Eulogy,  249 

ART*  through  almoft  every  part  of  the  habi- 
table world,!  mull  be  particularly  agreeable 
to  all  its  friends,  to  every  one  iincerely  in- 
terefted  in  the  caufe  of  humanity  5  the  hap- 
pinefs  of  his  fpecies. 

At  the  prefent,  as  in  every  former  age 
over  virhich  it  hath  fpread  its  princjjples, 
Mafonry  conftitutes  the  affeftionate  and  in- 
diffoluble  alliance  which  unites  man  in  warm 
cordiality  with  man.  It  forms  the  moft  liber- 
al and  extenlive  conneclions.  No  private  pre- 

*  «« This  art  was  called  royal  not  only  becaufe  it  was  originally 
pradlifed  by  Kings  and  Princes,  who  were  its  firft  profeflbrs  and 
warmeft  patrons,  but  likewife  on  account  of  the  fuperiority  which 
fo  fublime  a  fcience  gave  its  difciples  over  the  reft  of  mankind." 

Smith,  p.  27. 

fEuMENios,  fpeaking  of  the  nuniber  of  Mafons  that  went 
over  to  the  continent,  about  the  beginning  of  the  fourth  century, 
fays  "  even  your  city  Autun,  moft  devoted  to  your  fervice,  and  in 
whofe  name  I  am  efpecially  to  congratulate  you,  has  been  well 
ftored  with  architedls  and  Mafons,  lined  your  vi(£tory  over  the 
Britons  whofe  provinces  abounded  with  them ;  fo  that  it  now 
rifes  in  iplendor,  by  the  rebuilding  of  antient  houfes,  eredling 
public  works,  and  the  inftauration  of  temples.  Thus  the  antient 
name  of  a  Roman  Brotherhood,  which  they  long  lince  enjoyed,  is 
again  reftored,  by  having  your  Imperial  Majefty  for  their  fecond 
founder."     Paneg,  Emp.  Maximian,  Aug.  diet 

See  "  Notices  of  the  hiftory  of  Free  Mafonry,  in  all  parts  of  the 
world,"  8vo,  Bofton,  1798. 


250  -^  Mafonic  Eulogy. 

poffellion  nor  national  prediledion,  no  civil 
policy  nor  ecclefiaftical  tyranny,  no  party 
fpirit  nor  dilTocial  paffion,  is  fufFered  to  pre- 
vent the  engagement,  or  interfere  with  the 
free  exercife  of  xh^X.  brotherly  love^  relief  and  fi- 
delity^ it  fails  not  to  produce.  It  has  for  ages 
been  lamented,  that  petty  diftindiions  and 
partial  conliderations,  irrational  prejudices 
and  contraded  fentiments,  fhould  fo  much 
obftrucl  the  friendly  intercourfe  of  mankind. 
Mafonry  breaks  down  thefe  formidable  bar- 
riers. In  its  folemn  affembly,  around  its  fe- 
cial altar,  meet  the  inhabitants  of  different 
countries  with  benignant  looks  of  efteem  and 
fentiments  of  unfeigned  friendfhip.  Around 
diftant  lands  it  cafts  Philanthropy's  conneft- 
ing  zone,  and  binds  together  in  the  fame  fym- 
pathies  the  whole  family  on  earth. 

By  the  ufe  of  the  univerfal  language  of  Ma- 

fons^  members  of  the  fraternity  of  all  nations 

communicate   ealily   and   freely   with   each 

other.*     On  every  quarter  of  the  globe  they 

*  "  Free  Mafons  poffefs  what  the  learned  have  fougkt  in  vain, 
tui  invariable  cypher  for  general  communication. 

See  Free  Mason's  Mag.  Vol.  I.  p.  11. 
Mr.  Locke's  notes  to  the  MS.  Bodl. 


A  Mafonic  Eulogy.  251 

can  make  known  their  wiflies,  and  be  fure 
of  finding  an  attentive  friend,  a  hofpitable 
afylum,  and  liberal  afliftance. 

With  Religion,  whofe  fublime  doBrlnes 
it  cannot  increafe,  whofe  noble  precepts  it  can- 
not improve,  and  whofe  fandions  it  dare  not 
adjudge,  Mafonry  does  not  interfere.     The 
duties  of  piety   muft   be  the  voluntary  and 
fpiritual  intercourfe   of  man   with   heaven. 
Over  them  it  ufurps  no  control  and  claims  no 
jurifdiclion.     It  is  fatisfied  with  teaching  all 
the  brethren  to   remember  that  "  the  eye 
WHICH  SEETH  IN  SECRET'*    obfcrvcs  all  their 
conduct  ;  that  they  muft  therefore  "  live  as 
feeing  him  who  is  invifible,"  and  have  their 
fouls  raifed  fuperior  to  the  grofs  indulgences 
of  vice,  and  their   affeclions  refined  by  the 
fublime  energies  of  virtue  ;  that  they  muft 
be  alive  to  all  the  engaging  duties  of  benev- 
olence, and  be  attached  to  their  fellow  men 
by   all   thofe   tender   ties  of  friendftiip  and 
good  will  which  hold  the   heart  in  the  moft 
permanent  captivity. 

Such,  my  hearers,  is  the  genius,  the  do- 
fign,  and  tendency,  of  this  inftitution. 


252  A  Mafonlc  Eulogy » 

But  faint  and  imperfect  is  the  reprefenta. 
tion  I  have  given.  Yet  I  cannot  but  hope 
that,  though  it  be  but  as  the  fun  painted  in 
the  dew  drop,  it  will  be  found  to  have  the 
merit  of  refledling  fomething  of  the  fplendor 
of  its  original. 

At  the  door  of  Mafonry  I  ftand  with  my 
taper.  Would  you  view  the  glories  of  the 
temple,  enter  in,  and  dwell  there. 

The  ingenuoufnefs  of  nature,  my  breth- 
ren, kindles  a  blufh  at  the  praife  which  comes 
fo  near  to  ourfelves.  Yet,  who,  but  one  of 
its  own  members,  can  fpeak  the  eulogy  of 
an  eftablifliment,  all  of  whofe  regulations, 
and  moft  of  whofe  effefls,  are  not  open  to 
general  infpeclion,  but  delignedly  concealed 
from  all  but  the  initiated  ?  Determined  by 
his  conviction,  and  in  the  caufe  of  truth, 
REASON  and  philanthropy,  indifferent  alike 
to  ridicule  and  cenfure,  the  fpeaker  afferts  the 
high  utility  and  value  of  this  fociety,  for  the 
encouragement  and  cultivation  of  thofe  at- 
tainments and  qualities  which  are  of  vital 
confequence  to  moral  and  foc'ial  man.     He 


A  Mafonic  Eulogy*  253 

honors  from  his  foul  its  laws  :  Thofe  laws 
which  foftening  nature  by  humanity  melt 
nations  into  brotherhood.  Happy  would  it 
be  for  the  peace  of  the  world  were  they 
more  univerfally  acknowledged.  They  would 
give  quiet  to  the  nations.  They  would  an- 
nihilate the  fpirit  of  martial  glory,  and  ut- 
terly debafe  the  pomp  of  war.  They  would 
be  inftrumental  in  meliorating  the  difpoli- 
tions  of  men  ;  in  awakening  and  exercifing 
their  virtues  ;  in  exalting  their  condition 
and  their  happinefs. 

Seek  ye  a  pure  fource  of  joys  to  enliven 
your  profperity  ?  Afk  ye  for  confolation  in 
adverlity  ?  Want  ye  relief  from  poverty  ? 
Enter  our  temple  and  fhare  our  bleflings. 
Friendship  will  conduA  your  faultering  ftep, 
VIRTUE  will  y?r^«^//j^«  your  refolutions,  and 
WISDOM  enlighten  your  mind.  There,  alfo, 
PITY  and  CHARITY  will  dired  your  benevo- 
lence, and  give  value  to  the  exercife  of  your 
kindnefs.  There  hope  will  brighten  your 
profpefls,  and  glory  crown  your  deeds. 

To  this  commendation  of  our  fociety,  my 
beloved  brethren,  your  knowledge  and  your 


254  -^  Mafonic  Eulogy. 

hearts  will  bear  willing  teftimony.  Let  the 
a6lions  of  your  lives  afford  corroborative 
evidence.  Anfwer  the  raifed  expectations  of 
the  world.  While  ambitious  of  extending: 
the  influence,  neglect  not  to  fupport  the 
credit  of  this  antient  and  venerable  fociety. 
May  the  amiable  fimplicity  and  goodnefs  of 
your  manners  produce  fentiments  of  efteem 
in  others  for  the  principles  from  which  they 
arife  !  Difgrace  not  your  profeflion  by  any 
unworthy  action.*  Mafonry  may  indeed 
fuffer  awhile  from  the  fufpicions  of  the 
ignorant  and  the  cenfure  of  its  enemies,  but 
it  can  be  laftingly  injured  only  by  the  im- 
prudences and  ill  conduct  of  its  members 
and  friends.  Let  me  therefore  enjoin  it  upon 
you,  while  you  treat  with  jufl  indifference 
the  iniinuations  and  furmifes  of  the  difingen- 
uous  and  the  perverfe,  to  iilence  the  tongue 
of  reproach  by  the  rectitude  of  your  condu6t, 
and  the  brilliance  of  your  virtues.  Let  it  be 
feen  in  you  that  our  inftitution  produces  the 
good  effeds  we  have  fo  openly  boafted,  and 

*  In  the  antient  Mafonic  charges  is  this  injundlion  :  "  Ye  fliaU 
ilo  no  villainie  whcieby  the  craft  may  be  flandered." 


A  Mafonic  Eulogy^  255 

the  virtues  we  have  fo  frequently  recom- 
mended and  warmly  approved*  Fix  your 
eyes  fteadily  on  the  important  objed  of  your 
aflbciation.  Let  it  open  the  afFedionate  em- 
brace of  large  philanthropy,  and  lift  up  the 
hands  of  rational  devotion  !  Let  it  exalt  the 
capacity  of  the  mind,  refine  the  focial  fym- 
pathies,  and  form  you  for  the  nobleft  pur- 
pofes  of  reafonable  life  ! 

RIGHT  WORSHIPFUL  MASTERS, 
RESPECTED  OFFICERS,  AND  BELOVED  BRETHREN ! 

You  this  day  alTemble  to  celebrate  the  in- 
creafed  reputation  and  ufefulnefs  of  Mafon- 
ry ;  and  to  pay  the  tribute  of  affedlionate 
remembrance  to  its  departed  patrons  and 
brethren.  Let  hilarity  therefore  be  temper- 
ed with  thoughtfulnefs.  Forget  not  in  the 
cheerfulnefs  of  the  day  to  retain  decorum  in 
feftivity,  and  innocence  in  mirth.  Let  vir- 
tue chaften  your  pleafures,  and  it  will  give 
them  a  higher  relifti. 

While  you  commemorate  the  wifdom  and 
glory  of  Solomon,  the  fideHty  of  Hiram, 
and  the  virtues  of  St.  John,  you  will  join 


156  A  Mafonic  Eulogy, 

alfo  in  celebrating  the  valor  of  Warren  and 
the  wifdom  of  Franklin.  While  you 
praife  departed  worth,  neglect  not  to  honor 
living  virtue.  And  add  to  all  your  fongs  the 
chorus  of  acknowledgment  and  affedionate 
refpeft  to  ouv  furviving  patron  and  brother, 
Washington,  "  the  friend  of  Mafonry,  of 
his  country,  and  of  man/' 

Around  the  altar  of  friendfliip  do  we  thus 
yearly  affemble,  and  bring  our  votive  incenfe 
to  that  temple  which  our  predeceffors  found- 
ed on  the  firm  bafis  of  virtue,  and  fupported 
by  the  pillars  of  wifdom,  Jirength  and  beauty. 
We  meet  not  to  drain  the  bowl  of  intem- 
perance, nor  to  indulge  the  exceffes  of  glut- 
tony :  But  to  renew  the  cordialities  of 
friendfliip,  the  refolutions  of  love  and  good 
will.  We  affemble  not  to  difturb  the  peace 
of  mankind  by  the  bufier  plans  of  ambition, 
nor  to  fabricate  thofe  arts  of  luxury  which 
but  augment  the  miferies  of  life :  Our  object 
is  to  enliven  the  kindly  fenfibilities  of  human 
nature,  and  all  the  fweet  civilities  of  focial 
intercourfe. 


A  Mafonic  Eulogy,  257 

CHILDREN  OF  LIGHT  ! 

The  duties  of  your  profeflion  are  intereft- 
ing  and  important.  The  duties  o^fociety  and 
of  religion  are  alfo  binding  upon  you.  May 
you  difcharge  them  all  with  fidelity  and 
honour  !  Then,  when  the  events  of  time  fliall 
be  ended,  and  the  retributions  of  eternity 
begin,  when  the  morning  stars  fhall  again 
feig  together  and  the  fons  of  God  Ihout  for 
joy,  YE  Ihall  join  the  animating  chorus  and 
fhare  the  glorious  triumph.  Ye  fhall  be 
deemed  worthy  to  enter  the  doors  of  the 
celeftial  temple,  to  be  adorned  with  jewels 
beautified  with  immortality,  and  advanced 
to  glories  incomparably  more  refplendent 
than  any  here  below. 

so  MOTE  IT  BE! 


CHARGE. 


Delivered  before  the  GRAND  LODGE  of  MASSACHU- 
SETTS, June  a4th,  A.  L.  5795. 


IN  fubmifllon  to  the  appointment, 
and  in  compliance  with  the  requeft  of  the 
venerable  officers  and  beloved  brethren  of 
this  GRAND  LODGE,  I  rife  to  give  the  cuftom- 
ary  mafonic  charge.  To  make  apologies 
now^  would  be  ineffectual.  And  to  intreat 
indulgence  in  behalf  of  what  it  is  expefted  I 
fhould  enforce  by  authority,  would  but  dimin- 
ifli  the  dignity  of  the  precepts  to  be  incul- 
cated, and  weaken  the  influence  of  the  cau- 
tion to  be  imprelfed.  I  cannot  doubt  the 
candor  of  the  liberal  j  and  need  not  fear  the 
cenfure  of  the  prejudiced.    It  will  fuffice  if 


Mafonic  Charge*  259 

this  refpe^led  audience  be  but  convinced, 
from  my  honeft  developement  of  the  charac- 
ter and  limple  ftatement  of  the  duties  of  Free 
Mafonry,  that  the  principles  upon  which  the 
inftitution  is  founded  are  falutary,  and  that 
the  morals  it  enjoins  are  pure. 

To  give  to  thefe  principles  and  thefe  mor- 
als their  proper  force,  recoiled,  my  beloved 
brethren,  that  I  Hand  in  the  place,  and  fpeak 
by  the  authority  of  that  Divine  Mafon  whofe 
anniverfary,  you  celebrate.  On  this  occa- 
fion  you  are  to  regard  me  as  his  reprefenta- 
tive.  To  his  counfels  you  are  invited  to 
liften.     "  The  same  came  for  a  witness,  ro 

BEAR    WITNESS    OF  THE  LIGHT,   THAT  ALL    MEN 

THROUGH  HIM  MIGHT  BELIEVE,"  As  the  her- 
ald, commiffioned  to  awaken  attention  to 
the  glories  of  the  brightefl  fcene  that  ever 
dawned  upon  the  earth,  he  calls  for  the  re- 
formation of  thofe  prejudices  which  preclude 
acknowledgment  of  the  doctrines  of  heavenly 
truth,  and  thofe  corruptions  which  prevent 
diflfufion  of  the  fyftem  of  unbounded  love. 

Let  your  minds  be  open  to  convidion. 
Examine  with  the  utmoft  freedom.     Be  will- 


aSo  Mafonic  Charge, 

ing  to  adopt  what  you  find  to  be  excellent  ; 
and  in  the  beft  of  caufes  be  the  warmeft  of 
advocates. 

The  duties  of  piety  claim  your  firft  and 
chiefeft  attention.  Their  facred  fpirit  Ihould 
fan<5lify,  pervade,  and  influence  all  your 
thoughts  and  adions,  ennoble  all  your  pur- 
fuits,  and  be  both  the  beginning  and  the  end 
of  whatever  deferves  the  name  of  wifdom. 

Demonstrate  by  devout  reverence  and 
habitual  goodnefs,  your  homage,  fidelity  and 
love  to  the  almighty  architect.  Ever 
aft  as  under  the  infpeftion  of  that  "  Eye 
which  feeth  in  fecret."  Negled  not  to  im- 
plore the  affiftance  of  the  Deity  in  your 
building ;  work  by  his  perfed  plans ;  and 
confecrate  the  edifice  you  finifii  to  his  glory 
and  praife. 

Weigh  well  the  powers  of  fimple  piety  ! 
Make  it  the  key-J}one  In  your  arch  of  virtue  ; 
And  it  wijl  keep  that  graceful  fabric  firm. 
Though  all  the  ftorms  of  fortune  burft  upon  it. 

Forget  not  that  you  have  profefled  your- 
felves  "  members  of  the  great  temple  of  the 


Mafonic  Charge,  261 

univerfc,  ready  to  obey  the  laws  of  the 
Grand  Mafter  of  all,  in  whofe  prefence  you 
feek  to  be  approved." 

Next  cultivate  and  exercife  the  principles 
of  generous    philanthropy   and    munificent 
benevolence.     Your  liberalities  and  affeftions 
muft  not  be  limited  to  kindred  and  neigh- 
bors J  nor  circumfcribed  within  the  narrow 
confines  of  felfintereft  or  perfonal  obligation  ; 
but,  uniformly  directed  to  the  general  wel- 
fare, muft  be  dilated  into  an  exercife  wide 
and  extenfive  as  human  kind.     "  You  muft 
aflfu redly   know  that   in  all   the   bonds   by 
which  we   are  united ;    in   all  the   lectures 
we   receive  ;    and  in   all   the   exercifes   by 
which  we    endeavor  either  to     amufe,  in- 
ftrucl,  or  benefit  ■  each  other  ;  ftricl:  juftice 
and  univerfal  charity  form  the  principle,  the 
fentiment,  and  the  labor  of  the  Free  and  Ac- 
cepted Mafon."* 

In  the  endeared  and  fublime  friendfhip 
you  have  formed,  you  are  to  confider,  more 
efpccially,  the  interefts  of  a  brother  as  in- 
feparable  from  your  own.    And  your's  is  the 

*Inwood"»  fcrmons,  p.  75. 
R  2 


262  Mafonic  Charge. 

fweet  fatisfadion  of  alliance  with  thofe,  to 
whofe  bofoms  you  may  confide  the  moft  im- 
portant and  fecret  thoughts,  without  diftruft 
or  fear  j  and  in  whofe  hearts  you  may 
always  be  fure  to  find  an  unfailing  willing- 
nefs  to  be  inter efl:ed  for  you,  to  folace  your 
griefs,  calm  your  inquietudes,  relieve  your 
neceffities  and  lighten  the  burden  of  your 
labors.  Every  member  of  this  fociety  is 
happy  in  the  enjoyment  of  that  reciprocal 
confidence  and  efi:eem  which  amply  provides 
for  the  mutual  interchange  of  affectionate 
fervices  and  afUftance. 

Reverence  the  laws,  and  conform  to  the 
ufages  of  our  venerable  conftitution.  Dif- 
countenance  every  deviation  from  its  princi- 
ples, and  carefully  avoid  any  innovation  in 
its  long  efl:ablifhed  pradices.  In  retaining 
their  primeval  fimplicity,  you  approach 
neareft  to  their  original  purity,  and  befl:  an- 
fwer  their  original  intent. 

These  are  fome  of  your  leading  duties. 
Such  is  the  excelling  nature  of  our  inftitu- 
tion  J  which,  as  it  honors  itfelf  by  its  lef- 
ibns,  fo  may  we  honor  it  by  our  virtues. 


Mafonk  Charge,  263 

Let  us  on  all  occafions  fupport  its  dignity 
and  maintain  its  credit.  May  our  whole 
condudl  prove  our  convidion  of  its  excel- 
lency, and  bear  evidence  to  its  happy  efFeft. 

Proceed,  brethren,  with  firmnefs  in  the 
lucid  path  pointed  out  for  your  fteps. 

Be  the  animating  fpirit  of  our  affociation 
the  incitement  to  your  nobleft  employment, 
and  the  enlivener  of  your  moft  exalted 
delights ! 

Still  may  your  bofoms  glow  with  the 
ardor  of  kindnefs,  and  ftill  poffefs  the  unfuf- 
pe<5ting  fecurity  and  undiminifhed  tendernefs 
of  friendlinefs  and  love  ! 

Suffer  no  confideration  to  induce  you 
to  ad  unworthy  the  refpedable  charader 
you  bear.  But  ever  difplay  the  difcretion, 
the  virtue,  the  dignity  and  the  harmony, 
which  become  you  as  the  sons  of  reason, 
the  disciples  of  wisdom,  and  the  brethren 
of  HUMANITY  !  Thus  wiU  your  conduct  lend 
diftinguifhed  luftre  to  your  profeflion,  and 
contradict  the  feoffs  of  thofe  who  contemptu^ 
oufly  overlook  or  ftudioufly  depreciate  in  a 


364  Mafonlc  Charge, 

Mafon  even  the  moil:  eminent  inftances  of 
merit. 

O  YE,  whom  curiofity,  or  the  purfuit  of 
amufement  hath  drawn  into  this  affembly. 
Would  to  GOD  that  fuch  fmiles  of  good 
humor  as  fuffufe  your  cheeks,  and  fuch 
beams  of  joy  as  irradiate  your  eyes,  glowed 
on  the  cheeks  and  brightened  in  the  eyes, 
of  every  fon  and  daughter  of  Adam  I  And 
that  all  might,  like  you,  participate  the  hap- 
pinefs  which  refults  from  the  privileges  of 
freedom,  is  refined  by  knowledge,  and  per- 
fefted  in  the  reign  of  virtue  and  peace  ! 

But  confent  to  look  abroad  into  the 
world.  It  may  interrupt,  indeed,  for  one 
painful  moment,  the  cheerful  flow  of  your 
fpirits  :  But  it  will  teach  you  fome  moft  im- 
portant leflbnsi  See  the  members  of  a  moft 
exteniive  family  engaging  in  perpetual  con- 
tefts.  Man,  who  ought  to  be  the  friend,  the 
brother^  becomes  the  enemy  of  man.  The 
luft  of  power  and  domination,  every  mean 
propenfity,  every  turbulent  paflion,  excites 
variance  and  leads  to  outrage.  The  crimfon 
ftandard  of  war  is  eredled.  Nations  furioufly 


Mqfontc  Charge,  26^ 

prefs  around  it.  And  the  moft  populous 
and  flouriihing  countries  exhibit  the  moft 
fanguinary  fcenes  of  defolation.  You  fhud- 
der  at  the  painful  view.  You  tremble  for 
the  diftreffes  of  mankind,  and  anxioufly 
inquire,  What  can  mitigate  the  fufferings 
thefe  occaiion  ?  What  proje6t  for  reconcilia- 
tion can  be  devifed  ?  Who  will  communicate 
a  plan,  eafy  to  be  adopted  and  efFedrual  in  its 
exercife,  which  will  reftore  its  rights  to  vio- 
lated nature,  and  its  fupremacy  to  deprefled 
humanity  :  Which  will  banifli  entirely  every 
unfocial  paflion,  and  eftablifh  perpetually  uni- 
verfal  peace  ?  With  what  animated  pleafure 
would  we  liften  to  the  propofal  which  prom- 
ifed  fuch  delirable  efFefts  !  How  would  we 
all  rejoice  in  its  ready  adoption  and  general 
diffufion  ! 

Assuredly,  then,  you  will  obferve  with 
pleafure  the  increaling  progrefs  of  Mafonry, 
At  leaft  you  will  not  withhold  your  encour- 
agement from  an  inftitution  which  has  the 
moft  manifeft  tendency  to  annihilate  all  party 
fpirit,  to  conciliate  all  private  opinions,  and 
by  the  fwcet  and  powerful  attra(5tIons  of  Iov& 


a66  Ma/hnic  Charge, 

to  draw  into  one  harmonious  fraternity  men 
of  all  nations  and  all  opinions.  Who  can 
remain  unmoved  and  cold  at  the  idea  of  the 
manifold  good  that  may  and  will  be  effected 
by  fuch  an  inftitution  !  What  generous  citi- 
zen will  helitate  at  making  it  his  duty  and 
joy  to  contribute  what  he  can  to  the  accom- 
pliftiment  of  fuch  delightful  hopes  ! 

Let  us  all  join  in  the  fervent  wifh  for 
fuccefs  to  all  fuch  motives  as  enforce,  and  all 
fuch  focieties  as  encourage  philanthropy  and 
virtue.  And  may  the  whole  brotherhood  of 
mankind  be  united  in  the  harmony  of  love, 
and  bleffed  with  the  tranquillity  of  peace  I 


.  FIRST  DEGREE. 


"  Entered  Apprentices,  at  their  making,  are  charged  that  they  Jhould  travel 
hcnejily^  love  their  fello-Ws  as  themf elves,  and  le  faithful  to  the  Lodge." 
Antient  MS.  in  the  reign  of  Edw.  III. 


Address  to  a  Brother  at  his  reception. 

BROTHER, 

1  SALUTE  you  cheerily  and  affec- 
tionately by  this  endearing  appellation.  The 
communications  made  on  our  part,  and  the 
engagements  entered  into  on  your's,  are 
mutual  pledges  of  confidential  truft  and 
agreement,  and  tokens  of  an  attachment 
facred  and  inviolable. 

From  this  moment  we  Ihall  feel  a  fpecial 
claim  upon  your  friendfhip,  and  a  fpecial 
intereft  in  your  welfare  :  and  we  hope  you 
will  cultivate  a  warm  attachment  to  that 
family  of  love  into  which  you  are  now 
adopted  j  the   pleafures   and   advantages  of 


l68  Charge  at  the  firjl  Degree. 

which  you  are  beginning  to  realize.  And 
we  are  certain  that  the  better  you  underftand, 
the  more  you  will  admire  our  principles  and 
practices. 

Our  good  opinion  of  you  induced  us  to 
receive  with  pleafure  your  application  ;  and 
vote,  unanimoufly,  to  admit  you  into  our 
fociety.  We  have  always  wiftied  to  bring 
into  our  alliance  the  wife  and  the  good  ; 
that,  while  we  attach  them  to  us,  by  the 
light  we  convey,  we  may  borrow  luftre  for 
our  inftitution  from  their  talents  and  their 
virtues.  Let  our  expectations  oi  you  be  all 
accomplifhed.  Retain,  we  entreat  you,  that 
goodnefs  of  heart,  that  fair  fame,  that  purity 
of  intention,  and  love  of  virtue,  of  which 
we  believe  you  now  poffeffed ;  and  of  which 
the  fpotkfs  vejiment  wherewith  you  are  now 
girded,  is  at  once  the  emblem,  the  badge, 
and  the  reward. 

Be  juft  to  yourfelf  and  to  us,  to  your 
profeffion  and  engagements  ;  and  it  will  be 
apparent  to  all  that,  in  becoming  a  Mafon, 
you  become  a  better  man. 


Charge  at  ihefrjl  Degree.  269 

Now  look  around  you !  Tliofe,  whofe  eyes, 
j^arkling  with  joy,  and  countenances,  dreffed 
in  fmiles,  are  diredled  towards  you,  are  your 
BRETHREN.  Ready  to  difcharge  all  the  of- 
fices of  that  intimate  relation,  they  now  bid 
you  welcome  to  their  number  and  fellowfhip, 
to  their  affections  and  affiftance,  to  their 
privileges  and  joys :  and  through  me  they 
proraife  to  protect  you  by  their  influence 
and  authority,  to  advife  you  by  their  abilities 
and  ikill,  to  afllft  you  in  exigence  by  their 
liberality  and  bounty,  and  to  cheer  you  at 
all  times  with  their  kindnefs  and  love.  And 
you  will  have  the  happinefs  of  experiencing 
the  truth  of  this  antient  remark  that  "  Mafons 
being  brethren,  there  exiji  no  invidious  dijiinc- 
tions  among  them  :  "*  and  that  they  "love  each 
other  7nightily,  as  hath  bee?i  faid  ;  which  indeed 
way  not  otherioife  be,  for  good  men  and  true, 
knowing  each  other  to  befuch^  do  always  love  the 
more  as  they  be  the  more  good."\ 

This,  brother,  is  the  beginning  of  our  art. 
How  fuccefsful  is  its  progrefs,  and  how  happy 

*  Antient  Mafonic  MS. 

t  See  the  Bodlean  MS.  with  the  notes  and  explanations  of  the 
celebrated  John  Locke,  Efq. 


270  Charge  at  thefirjl  Degree* 

is  its  end.^  you  may  fully  know  if  you  are  but 
attentive,  faithful  and  wife.  Your  diligence 
and  adlivity  in  work,  your  fkill  in  acquiring 
the  inftru6lions  of  your  degree,  and  your 
zeal  in  the  caufe  of  Free  Mafonry,  will  lead 
you  forwards  to  higher  grades,  to  clearer 
views,  and  to  nobler  privileges.* 

*  "  Mafonry  is  a  progreffive  fcience,  and  not  to  be  attained  in 
any  degree  of  perfecStion  but  by  time,  patience,  and  a  confiderable 
degree  of  application  and  induflry ;  for  no  one  is  admitted  to  the 
profoundeft  fecrets,  or  the  higheft  honors  of  this  fraternity,  till  by 
time  we  are  aflured  he  has  learned  fecrecy  and  morality." 

See  a  fermon  entitled  "  Mafonry  founded  on  Scripturei'  by  the 
J?(;i;.  W.Williams.     175  a. 


SECOND  DEGREE. 


"They  that  be  laboring  men,  or  Crafstmen,  do  it  truly.' 
ANTIENT  CHARGES,  MS. 


Address  to  a  brother^  on  his  being  crafted. 

W  E  have  now  endeavored,  brother^ 
to  reward  your  diligence  by  conferring  on 
you  a  higher  rank  in  the  fcale  of  Mafonry ; 
making  to  you  new  and  interefting  difcove- 
ries  ;  and  affigning  you  work  in  an  elevated 
apartment  of  the  temple. 

In  behalf  of  the  brethren,  I  congratulate 
your  preferment.  I  affure  you  that  the  ftep 
you  have  taken  is  a  fafe  one  j  and  with  a 
lingle  eye  you  may  fee  that  your  ftagings  are 
firm,  your  fituation  fecure,  and  your  prof- 
peels  brightened. 

You  will  now  be  inftru6ted  in  the  ufe  of 
tools  of  a  more  artful  and  ingenious  con- 


272  Charge  at  the  fccond  Degree. 

ftruftion.  Be  not  regardlefs  of  their  fym- 
bolic  application.  By  them  you  will  learn 
to  reduce  rude  matter  into  form,  and  rude 
manners  into  the  more  polilhed  Ihape  of 
moral  and  religious  rectitude ;  becoming 
thereby,  yourfelf,  a  more  fymmetical  part  of 
the  ftru^lure  of  human  fociety.  By  the 
fqiiare  of  juftice,  learn  to  meafure  your 
adions.  To  the  level  of  humility  and  conde- 
fcenfion,  reduce  your  difpofition  and  de- 
meanor :  And  by  the  plumh  line  of  reditude 
regulate  all  your  moral  conduct. 

The  grade  to  which  you  are  now  ad- 
vanced has  its  appropriate  fervices  and 
duties.  It  demands  the  exercife  of  Jlrength^ 
jntelleftual  and  moral ;  and  it  calls  for  the 
extenfion  of  relief  to  your  brethren,  accord- 
ing to  your  ability  and  their  exigence. 

While  invincible  as  a  Mafon,  snd  brave  as 
a  man ;  be  fure  to  difplay  the  benignity  of 
the  friend,  and  the  kindnefs  of  the  brother. 

You  are  to  learn,  now,  to  encounter  trials 
with  unyielding  ftability ;  and  to  endure 
tribulation  with  fubmiflive  patience.     And 


Charge  at  thefecond  Degree.  273 

you  will .  find  that  Mafonry  prevents  the 
pufilanimity  of  dejecflion,  and  lilences  the 
murmurs  of  difcontent,  by  encouragements 
and  fupports  peculiar  to  itfelf.*  But  fliould 
a  lot  be  your's  in  life,  as  we  fervently  hope, 
exempt  from  the  pains  of  affliction  and  the 
preffure  of  adverlity,  let  the  leffons  you  arc 
now  acquiring  teach  you  to  help  and  relieve 
all  your  deftitute  and  diftreffed  brethren  to 
the  beft  of  your  power.  Be  willing  to  diftri- 
bute  to  the  neceffitous  a  portion  of  thofe 
bounties  your  profperity  can  fpare ;  and 
ready  to  communicate  to  the  afflicted  fome 
of  thofe  precious  confolations  which  fympa- 
thy  prepares  and  kindnefs  adminifters.  And 
your's  be  all  the  bleffings  promifed  the 
merciful  by  the  God  of  mercy ! 

BROTHER^ 

We  have  feen  with  pleafure  your  im- 
provement in  our  art ;  and  are  convinced 
that  your  induftry  and  perfeverance  will 
foon  lead  you  to  the  acquirement  of  greater 
knowledge  and  entitle  you  to  greater  honors. 

*  "  Maconnes  teach  the  fkylle  of  becommynge  gude  and  par- 
fyghtc,  withoughten  the  holpynges  of  fere  and  hope,"      ms.  bodl. 

S 


THIRD  DEGREE. 


*'  Every  onejhall  aunftvere  theje  three  quejlions  ;  Hoiv  bajl  thou  entered  ^ 
Ho-w  hajl  thou  ivrought  ?  Hoiv  hajl  thou  lived  ?  And  if  he  can  aJfoiU 
thefe,  and  hath  laud  therein,  he  may  be  raifed  and  honoured  and  reiuard- 
ed.'"  Antient  ms. 


Address  td  a  Brother  at  his  raifing. 

BROTHERy 

X  HE  arcana  of  our  craft  are  imparted 
gradually  to  its  members,  according  to  their 
improvement.  As  you  have  acquitted  your- 
felf  well  as  an  expert  and  ingenious  craftf- 
man,  in  reward  for  your  diligence  and 
ingenuity  we  now  admit  you  to  our  moll 
confidential  communications,  and  exalt  you 
to  thQfublime  degree  of  master  mason. 

This,  brother,  is  a  privilege  which  but 
few  obtain  :  and  mufl  be  the  more  grateful 
to  you  as  the  badges  with  which  you   are 


Charge  at  the  third  Degree.  2y^ 

now  invefted,  are  conferred  only  on  the  wor- 
thy and  the  wife. 

The  affeding  fcene  through  which  you 
have  juft  pafled  muft  have  deeply  impreffed 
your  mind.  Let  the  folemn  cautions  with 
which  it  was  accompanied,  and  the  excellent 
leffons  it  inculcates,  be  always  remembered 
and  invariably  obferved. 

Support  with  dignity  the  refpedable  char- 
acter you  now  bear. 

Be  juft  to  your  profeffion,  and  true  to  your 
engagements.  Hold  faft  your  integrity ;  and 
let  no  offers  bribe  and  no  threats  intimidate 
you  to  betray  your  truft  or  violate  your 
vow.  Be  faithful  unto  the  death,  and  the 
acacian  fragrance  of  a  good  report  will  em- 
balm your  memory.  At  the  Supreme 
Grand  Master's  word  your  body  will  be 
raifed  in  honor,  and  your  reward  be  glori- 
ous in  the  region   of  light  and  life  eternal ! 


CHARGE, 


AT  THE  OPENING  OF  A  LODGE, 

BRErHREN, 

1  BEHOLD  you  again  affembling 
togetlier,  with  thofe  complacent  emotions  of 
iffedion  which  animate  the  meeting  of  dear- 
eft  friends  that  have  been  fome  time  fepa- 
rated. 

After  this  interval  you  muft  have  acquired 
an  increafed  relifli  for  the  interefting  exercifes 
of  this  retreat  ;  and  you  undoubtedly  return 
with  new  alacrity  to  your  labors  of  love. 

And  now,  brethren,  with  that  clofing 
door,  the  bufy  world  is  fliut  out  :  and  with 
it,  all  its  perplexities,  and  cares,  and  forrows. 
None  of  them  are  fuffered  to  intrude  upon 
our  happy  privacy.     Here   nothing  enters 


Charge  at  the  opening  of  a  Lodge.         nyy 

but    "  innocent   pleafures,    pure  joys,  and 
rational  gaities." 

Come,  then,  ye  who  are  ^mulous  to  ex» 
eel  in  the  true,  the  good,  or  the  great  !  Enjoy- 
ing the  bright  aufpices  and  emanations  of 
that  glorious  Sun,  which  now  Iheds  around 
you  the  cleareft,  the  moft  cheering  rays, 
your  underftandings  will  become  more  en- 
lightened with  WISDOM,  your  hearts  more 
warmed  with  beneficence.  Come,  you  are 
welcome  guefts  at  the  feaft  of  charity  and 
the  refrefhment  o£  love  ! 

Ye,  Brethren,  are  not  in  darknefs.  Walk 
as  children  of  the  light.  Obferve  the  ftricteft 
decorum.  Carefully  attend  to  every  inftruc- 
tion  here  offered,  and  readily  comply  with 
every  requirement  here  enjoined.  Be  dili- 
gent in  the  duties  of  your  refpecflive  fta- 
tions  :  and  may  the  joys  of  unity  and  PEAct 
prevail  ! 


s  2 


AT  THE  CLOSING  OF  A  LODGE. 

BRETHREN^ 

\  OU  are  now  to  quit  this  facred 
retreat  of  friendjhip  and  virtue,  to  mix  again 
with  the  world.  Amidft  its  concerns  and 
employments,  forget  not  the  duties  you  have 
heard  fo  frequently  inculcated,  and  forcibly 
recommended  in  this  Lodge.  Be,  therefore, 
diligent,  prudent,  temperate,  difcreet.  Re- 
member alfo,  that  around  this  altar  you  have 
folemnly  and  repeatedly  promifed  to  befriend 
and  relieve,  with  unhefitating  cordiality,  fo 
far  as  ftiall  be  in  your  power,  every  brother 
who  fliall  need  your  affiftance  :  That  you 
have  promifed  to  *  ?mind  him,  in  the  moft 
tender  manner,  of  his  failings,  and  aid  his 
reformation.  Vindicate  his  charader  when 
wrongfully  traduced.  Suggeft  in  his  behalf 
the  moft  candid,   favorable,    and  paliating 


Charge  at  the  clofing  of  a  Lodge*         279 

clrcumftances,  when  his  conduct  is  juftly 
rq)rehended.  That  the  world  may  obferve 
how  Mafons  love  one  another. 

These  generous  principles  are  to  extend 
farther.  Every  human  being  has  a  claim  up- 
on your  kind  ofiiaes.  So  that  we  enjoin  it 
upon  you  to  "  to  do  good  unto  all,'*  while 
we  recommend  it  more  "  efpecially  to  the 
houfehold  of  the  faithful.^* 

By  diligence  in  the  duties  of  your  refpecl- 
ive  callings,  by  liberal  benevolence,  and  dif- 
fufive  charity,  by  conftancy  and  fidelity  in 
your  friendftiips,  by  uniformly  juft,  amia- 
ble, and  virtuous  deportment,  difcover  the 
beneficial  and  happy  effects  of  this  antient 
and  honorable  inftitution. 

Let  it  not  be  fuppofed  that  you  have  here 
labored  in  vain,  and  fpent  your  Jirength  for 
nought  ;  for  your  work  is  with  the  Lord, 
and  your  recompenfe  with  your  God. 

Finally,  brethren,  farewell.  Be  ye  all  of 
one  mind.  Live  in  peace.  And  may  the 
God  of  love  and  peace  delight  to  dwell  with 
and  to  blefs  you  ! 


AN 


DDRES: 


AT    THE    INTERMENT    (wiTH    MASONIC    HONORS)   OF    BROTHER 

SAMUEL  PIERCE,  jun. 

OF  DORCHESTER  ; 

WHO    WAS    UNFORTUNATELY    DROWNED    NEAR    LONG-ISLAND, 
OCTOBER    l6,    1796.       S..    30. 

UE  AR  is  eftimated  the  name  of  friend. 
Lovely  is  the  relation  which  cements  con- 
genial fouk.  But  dearer  ftill  the  amity, 
more  intimate  the  connexion,  my  brethren, 
which  unites  our  hands  and  hearts.  How 
painful  then  the  cataftrophe  in  which  is  dif- 
folved  an  alliance  fo  clofe  and  fo  afFe<^ion- 
ate  !  Alas  !  how  forcibly  do  we  feel  this  now ! 
Death,  regardlefs  of  thofe  fweet  engage- 
ments, thofe  pleafmg  intercourfes,  and  thofe 
improving  joys,  which  Mafons  know,  has 
fuddenly  fummoned  away,  in  the  midft  of  his 
days  and  ufefulnefs  the  valued  brother  whofe 


\ 


Tuner  al  Addrefs,  23 1 

remains  we  have  juft  lodged  in  the  filei;tt  tomb. 
We  beheld  his  fun  in  its  meridian,  and  rejoic- 
ed in  its  brightnefs.  It  is  now  fet ;  and  the 
evening  fliades  of  exiftence  have  clofed  a- 
round.  BlelTed  be  his  reft,  and  foft  and  fafe 
to  him  the  mortal  bed  !  Sweet  be  the  open- 
ing flowers  we  plant  around  :  fragrant  the 
cajfta  fprig  that  here  Ihall  flourifh  !*  While 
we  his  memory  cherifh,  his  virtues  imitate, 
his  death  improve  ! 

With  bleeding  hearts  we  fympathize  with 
the  difconfblate  widow,  the  bereaved  pa^ 
rents,  the  afilided  friends.  Their  griefs  are 
our*s,  for  our*s  the  lofs  they  feel.  But  let 
us  look  forward,  enlightened  by  religion,  to 
the  brighter  fcene,  when  our  brother,  who 
is  now  levelled  by  the  ftroke  of  death,  (hall 
be  raifed  from  his  proftrate  ftate,  at  the  Su- 
FREME  Grand  Master's  word,  and  be  admitr 
ted  to  the  privileges  of  the  Lodge  Celejliai; 
Let  us  comfort  one  another,  with  thefe 
words.  With  thefe  profpecls  let  us  confole 
the  widow  and  the  mourners.     And  permit 

*  Alluding  to  the  fionuers  and  t%uigs  the   brethren  h^d  (trewed 
around  the  entrance  to  the  tomb. 


283  Funeral  Addrefs, 

me,  brethren,  in  their  behalf  to  tender  you 
a  tribute  of  lively  acknowledgment  for  the 
refped  you  fhew  the  deceafed.  Your  kind- 
nefs,  attention,  and  fympathy  are  peculiarly 
grateful  and  foothing  to  their  agonized 
hearts.  Their  tears,  their  looks  thank  you, 
though  forrow  denies  their  lips  an  utterance. 

"  These  laft  offices  we  pay  the  dead  ought 
to  be  improved  as  ufeful  inftrudions  to  the 
living."  Let  us  all  remember  that,  "  the 
generations  of  men  are  like  the  waves  of  the 
fea."  In  quick  fucceffion  they  follow  each 
other  to  the  coafts  of  death.  Another  and 
another  ftill  fucceeds,  and  preffes  on  the 
fhore  ;  then  ebbs  and  dies,  to  give  place  to 
the  following  wave.  Thus  are  we  wafted 
forward.  Now  buoyed,  perhaps  by  hope  ; 
now  linking  in  defpair  :  riling  on  the  tide  of 
profperity  ;  or  overwhelmed  with  the  billows 
of  misfortune.  Sometimes,  when  leaft  ex-, 
peeled,  the  ftorms  gather,  the  winds  arife, 
"  and  life's  frail  bubble  burfts."  Be  caution- 
ed then,  nor  truft  to  cloudlefs  Ikies,  to  placid 
feas,  or  fleeping  winds.     Forget  not  there  are 


Funeral  Addrefs.  283 

hidden  rocks.  Guardj  too,  againft  the 
fudden  blaft.  Be  faith  your  pilot ;  you 
will  then  be  fafely  guided  to  the  haven  of 
eterpal  blifs. 

«  There  may  you  bathe  your  weary  foul 

In  feas  of  heavenly  reft ; 
And  not  a  wave  of  trouble  roll      ' 

Acroft  your  peaceful  breaft  !  '* 


AN 


ADDRESS. 


Delivered  at  the   reqjjest  of  the  Officers  ANii   Members 

or  COLUMBIAN   LODGE,  on    the  DEDICATION  of 

THEIR  NEW  HALL,  June  24,  1800. 


1  HE  ceremonies  we  are  about  to  per- 
form are  not  unmeaning  rites,  nor  the  amu- 
fmo-  pageants  of  an  idle  hour ;  but  have  a 
folemn  and  ijiftrudive  import.  Suffer  me  to 
point  it  out  to  you,  and  to  prepare  your 
minds  for  thofe  important  fentiments  they 
are  fo  well  adapted  to  convey. 

This  Hall,  defigned  and  built  by  wifdom^ 
fupported  by  ftrength,  and  adorned  in  beauty, 
we  are  firft  to  confecrate  in  the  name  of 
THE  GREAT  Jehovah.*     Which  teaches  us 

*  Sec  the  ceremooy  of  dedication,  ip  the   Book  of  Conftitu-  ^ 

tions. 


On  the  dedication  of  Cohanbia  Hal!,     285 

jn  all  our  works  begun  and  finiflied'  to  ac- 
knowledge, adore,  and  magnify  him.  It  re- 
minds us,  alfo,  in  his  fear  to  enter  the  door 
of  the  lodge,  to  put  our  truft  in  him  while 
paffing  its  trials,  and  to  hope  in  him  for  the 
reward  of  its  labors. 

Let,  then,  its  altar  be  devoted  to  his  fer^* 
vice,  and  its  lofty  arch  refound  with  his 
praife  !  May  t^e  eye  which  seeth  in  secret 
witnefs  here  the  fincere  and  unaffected  piety^ 
which  withdraws  from  the  enccasrements  of 
the  world  to  fdence  and  privacy,  that  it  may 
be  exercifcd  with  lefs  interruption  and  lefs 
oflentation. 

Our  march  round  the  lodge  reminds  us  of 
the  travels  of  human  life,  in  which  Mafonry 
,is  an  enlightened,  a  fafc,  and  a  pleafant  path. 
Its  tajfalated pavement  of  Mofaiczvork  intimates 
to  us  the  chequered  diverlity  and  uncertainty 
of  human  aft'airs.  Our  Hep  is  time  ;  our 
progrellion,  eternity. 

Following  our  antient  conftitutions,  with 
myftic  rites,  we  dedicate  this  Hall   to   the 

HONOR  OF  MASONRY, 


286       On  the  dedication  of  Columbia  HalL 

Our  beft  attachments  are  due  to  the  craft. 
In  its  profperity  we  find  our  joy  ;  and,  in 
paying  it  honor,  we  honor  ourfelves.  But 
its  worth  tranfcends  our  encomiums,  and  its 
glory  will  out-found  our  praife. 

Brethren,  it  is  our  pride  that  we  have 
our  names  on  the  records  of  Mafonry :  may 
it  be  our  high  ambition  that  they  fliould  ftied 
a  luftre  on  the  immortal  page ! 

The  Hall  is  alfo  to  be  dedicated  to  virtue. 

This  worthy  appropriation  will  always  be 
duly  regarded  while  the  moral  duties  which 
our  fublime  led:ures  inculcate  with  affefting 
and  impreffive  pertijiency,  are  cheriflied  in 
our  hearts  and  illuftrated  in  our  lives. 

As  Free  Mafonry  aims  to  enliven  the  fpirit 
of  philanthropy,  and  promote  the  caufe  of 
charity,  fo  we  dedicate  this  Hall  to  univer- 
sal BENEVOLENCE  ;  in  the  affurance  that 
every  brother  will  dedicate  his  affedions  and 
his  abilities  to  the  fame  generous  purpofe  : 
that  while  he  difplays  a  warm  and  cordial 
affection  to  thofe  who  are  of  the  Fraternity, 


On  the  dedication  of  Columbia  Hall.      187 

he  will  extend  his  benevolent  regards  and 
good  wifhes  to  the  whole  family  of  man- 
kind. 

Such,  my  brethren,  is  the  fignificant 
meaning  of  the  folemn  rites  we  are  now  to 
perform,  becaufe  fuch  are  the  peculiar  duties 
of  every  Lodge.  I  need  not  enlarge  upon 
them  now,  nor  fliew  how  they  diverge,  as 
rays  from  a  centre,  to  enlighten,  to  improve, 
and  to  cheer  the  whole  circle  of  life.  Their 
import  and  their  application  is  familiar  to 
you  all.  In  their  knowledge  and  their  exer- 
ercife  may  you  fulfil  the  high  purpofes  of  the 
mafonic  inftitution  ! 

How  many  pleafing  confiderations,  my 
brethren,  attend  the  prefent  interview. 
Whilft  in  almoft  every  other  part  of  the 
world  political  animolities,  contentions,  and 
wars,  interrupt  the  progrefs  of  humanity 
and  the  caufe  of  benevolence,  it  is  our  dif- 
tinguiflied  privilege,  in  this  happy  region 
of  liberty  and  peace,  to  engage  in  the  plans 
and  to  perfecl  the  defigns  of  individual  and 
focial  happinefs.     Whilft  in  other  nations 


ft  8  8       On  the  dedication  of  Cohmihla  Hall. 

Our  order  is  viewed  by  politicians  with  fufpi- 
cion,  and  by  the  ignorant  with  apprehenfion  ; 
in  this  country,  its  members  are  too  much 
refpe^bed  and  its  principles  too  well  known, 
to  make  it  the  objed  of  jealoufy  or  miftruft. 
Our  private  affemblies  are  unmolefted  j  and 
our  public  celebrations  attrad  a  more  general 
approbation  of  the  Fraternity.  Indeed,  its 
importance,  its  credit,  and  we  truft  its  ufe- 
fulnefs,  are  advancing  to  a  height  unknown 
in  any  former  age.  The  prefent  occafion 
gives  frelh  evidence  of  the  increaling  affec- 
tion of  its  friends  ;  and  this  noble  apart- 
ment, fitted  up  in  a  ftile  of  elegance  and 
convenience  which  far  exceed  any  we  have 
among  us,  does  honor  to  Mafonry,  as  well 
as  the  higheft  credit  to  the  refpedable  Lodge 
for  whofe  accommodation  and  at  whofe  ex- 
penfe  it  is  ereded. 

We  offer  our  beft  congratulations  to  the 
worjhipful  MASTER,  WARDENS,  OFFICERS  and 

MEMBERS    of     the     COLUMBIAN    LODGE.        We 

commend  their  zeal,  and  hope  it  will  meet 
with  the  mofl  ample  recompenfe.  May  their 
Hall  be  the  happy  refort  of  piety,  virtue. 


On  the  dedication  of  Columbia  Hall.       289 

and  BENEVOLENCE  !  May  it  be  protefted 
from  accident,  and  long  remain  a  monument 
of  their  attachment  to  Mafonry  !  May  their 
Lodge  continue  to  flourifli  ^  their  union  to 
ftrengthen  ;  and  their  happinefs  to  abound ! 
And  when  they,  and  we  all,  fliall  be  removed 
from  the  labors  of  the  earthly  lodge,  may  we 
be  admitted  to  the  brotherhood  of  the  per- 
fed:,  in  the  building  of  God,  the  hall  not 
made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens  ! 


INVOCATION. 

SXTPREME  ARCHITECT  of  aU  worlds  I 
vouchfafe  to  accept  the  folemn  dedication  of 

this  Hall,    TO  THE    GLORY  OF    THY  HOLY  NAME  ! 

Make  its  walls  falvation,  and  its  arch  praife  ! 
May  the  brethren  who  fhall  here  affemble, 
meet  in  unity,  work  in  love,  and  part  in  har- 
mony !  May  Fidelity  keep  the  door,  Faith 
prompt  the  duties,  Hope  animate  the  labors, 
and  Charity  difFufe  the  bleflings  of  the  Lodge  ! 
May  wifdom  and  virtue  diftinguifli  the  Fra- 
ternity, and  Mafonry  be<:ome  glorious  in  all 
the  earth  ! 

So  7mtc  it  be  / 

AMEN  ! 


FRATERNAL  TRIBUTE 

OF 

RESPECT 

PAID   TO  THE 

MASONIC  CHARACTER 


WASHINGTON, 


UNION  LODGE, 


DORCHESTER, 

JANUARY  pi,  A.  L.  j8oo. 


«l» 


INFORMATION. 


x\.S  foon  as  the  members  could  convenietly  be 
called  together  after  the  mournful  intelligence  arrived 
of  the  death  of  their  illuftrious  Brother  George 
Washington,  they  afTembled  to  pay  their  funeral 
honors  to  his  memory. 

The  hall,  the  furniture  of  the  lodge,  and  the 
brethren  were  all  dreflcd  in  the  badges  of  mourning  : 
and  the  apartment  but  dimly  lighted. 

The  following  addrefs  was   delivered  :  an  occa* 

fional  dirge  was  fung  and  a  well  adapted  anthem 

chanted,  by  the  choir. 

» 

Appropriate  teftimonials  of  refpedt  clofed  the 

folcmnities. 


ADDRESS. 


Ah,  my  brethren,  what  a  change  do 
we  perceive !  Our  lodge,  the  lightfome  abode 
of  joy,  how  darkened  with  the  gloom  of  for- 
row !  Inftead  of  the  gay  fplendor  with  which 
it  was  irradiated,  a  pale  fepulchral  light  dim- 
ly gleamjs  in  its  receffes.  The  cheerful  falu- 
tation  with  which  we  were  wont  to  hail  the 
beloved  member  or  welcome  the  accepted 
vifitant,  is  now  exchanged  for  the  look  of 
fadnefs  and  the  condolence  of  fympathy.  We 
forego  the  fprightly  fong  for  the  folemn 
<^irge,  and  the  cup  of  pleafure  for  the  chalice 
of  woe.  The  regalia  are  all  veiled  in  black, 
and  every  thing  about  us  bears  the  tokens 
of  the  lofs  we  have  fuftained  in  the  death  of 
Washington,  the  patron,  the  ornament, 
the  pride  of  our  Fraternity.  We  aflemble  to 
dwell  in  penfive  recolleftion  on  his  fublime 
virtues,  to  record  his  focial  worth,  and  t« 

T  2 


354        Fraternal  tribute  ofrefpeSl  to  the 

give  vent  in  privacy  to  our  unaflfected  for- 
rows  at  his  deceafe. 

His  modeft  and  unambitious  fpirit,  which 
flirunk  from  the  pomp  of  life,  and  delighted 
rather  in  the  filent  fatisfadion  of  doing  well, 
than  in  the  loud  applaufes  of  the  world  for 
having  done  fo,  would  not  difdain  the  hum- 
ble honors  we  pay  :  though  artlefs,  yet  cor- 
dial J  though  unoftentatious,  yet  lincere. 

It  is  not  in  our  power  to  make  a  parade  of 
funeral  obfequics,  nor  to  ered  a  pompous 
cenotaph  to  his  fame  j  but  what  wc  can,  we 
do  J  we  infcribe  his  worth  on  our  memo- 
ries, and  inflirine  his  virtues  in  our  hearts. 

When  we  conlider  him  as  a  General  and 
a  Statefman,  we  are  filled  with  admiration. 
When  we  recognize  in  him  the  defender, 
deliverer,  and  father  of  his  country,  our 
bofoms  glow  with  gratitude.  But  when  we 
behold  him  in  the  lefs  majeftic  but  more  en- 
gaging charader  of  a  brother,  his  memory  is 
endeared  to  our  affections  and  has  a  peculiai: 
claim  upon  our  love. 


Qhara^er  of  WaJIjtngton*  295 

Possessing  difpolitions  congenial  with  the 
genuine  fpirit  of  Free  Mafonry,  he  early  be- 
came a  member  of  the  fbciety.  Habitually 
defirous  of  enlarging  the  fphere  of  focial 
happinefs  and  of  promoting  the  caufe  of 
philanthropy,  he  difcovered  in  our  order 
means  eminently  conducive  to  thefe  impor- 
tant purpofes.*  It  gave  a  nobler  expanlion 
to  his  charity,  a  wider  range  to  his  benevo- 
lence. Accordingly,  he  engaged  in  the  plans 
and  ailifted  the  labors  of  the  lodge,  with  a 
high  fatisfadion* which  thofe  only  can  feel 
whofe  hearts  are  warmed  with  the  fame  dif- 
interefted  love,  and  enlarged  with  the  fame 
good  will. 

When  haraffed  by  the  fatigues  of  war  or 
the  concerns  of  public  life,  he  was  fond  of 
feeking  the  refrejhment  and  enjoying  they^r^'w- 
ity  always  to  be  found  within  the  peaceful 
walls  of  the  lodge.  There  every  perplexing 
anxiety  fubfided,  and  every  tumultuous 
thought   was  calmed.     There   he   obtained 

*  See  this  mofl  beautifully  alluded  to,  and  moft  happily  exprefTed 
in  his  anfwer  to  the  addrefs  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  MafTachufct^s 
pn  their  prefenting  him  a  copy  of  the  Book  of  ConfUtutions. 


2g6      Fraternal  tribute  of  refped  to  the 

relief  horn  his  cares,  or  flrength  to  rife  above 
them.  There  his  fpirit  was  enlivened  and 
his  joys  reftored ;  every  cloud  difperfed,  and 
a  bright  funlhine  illuminated  his  profpefts. 

He  paffed  the  various  grades  and  filled  the 
feveral  offices  of  the  lodge  ;  and  was  tried^ 
proved,  and  accepted  in  them  all.  And  whethr 
er  we  contemplate  him  as  exalted  to  the  chair 
of  Solomon,  to  infi:rucl:  and  govern  ;  or  re- 
turning to  the  level  of  his  brethren,  to  par- 
take their  toils  and  fhare  their  duties  j  we 
have  equal  occafion  to  admire  the  dignity  and 
humility  of  his  character ,  the  noble  elevation 
and  amiable  condefcenfion  of  his  manners.* 
So,  when  raifed  to  the  highefl;  military  and 
civil  honors  his  grateful  country  could  be- 
llow, even  when  filling  the  rank  of  president 
OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  he  dcemed  it  no 
derogation  of  his  diftinguilhed  eminence 
and  fl:ation  to  be  confidered  as  a  Mafon.\ 

*  In  the  courfe  of  the  revolutionary  war,  this  exalted  hero  fre- 
quently viflted  a  Lodge  where  a  Serjeant  prefided  as  Majler. 

f  This  is  proved  by  his  anfwers  to  the  various  complimentary 
addrefles  of  mofl  of  the  Grand  Lodges  in  America.  His  reply  to 
one  from  King  David's  Lodge  in  Newport  (R.  I.)  contains  this  dec- 


CharaBer  of  Wajhin^m,  297 

Im  fhort,  his  love  for  the  order,  his  zeal 
in  promoting  its  interefts,  and  his  teftimoni- 
als  in  its  favor,  have  not  only  revived  its 
priftine  credit,  but  given  it  new  confequence 
and  reputation  in  the  world. 

The  honor  thus  conferred  upon  us  ha$ 
been  peculiarly  ferviceabje  at  the  prefent  day, 
when  the  moft  unfounded  prejudices  have 
been  harbored  againft  Free  Mafonry,  and  the 
moft  calumnious  impeachment  brought  for- 
ward to  deftroy  it.  But  our  oppofers  blufh- 
ed  for  their  cenfures  when  we  reminded 
them  that  Washington  loved  and  patron- 
ized the  inftitution. 

When  the  order  was  perfecuted  by  re- 
ligious fanaticifm  and  political  jealoufy,  his 
unfullied  virtue  was  its  apology,  and  his 
irreproachable  life  its  pledge.  He  advocated 
its  principles^  becaufe  he  had  found  them  to 
be  pure  ;  and  cqmmended  its  dejigns,  becaufe 
he  knew  then>  to  be  generous. 

laration  -.  «  Bei^g  perfuaded  that  a  jufl:  application  of  the  princi- 
ples on  which  the  Mafonic  Fraternity  is  founded,  muft  be  promo- 
tive of  private  virtue  and  public  profperity,  I  fliail  always  be  hap- 
py to  advance  the  interefts  of  the  focicty,  and  to  be  confidcr- 
ed  by  tjiem  as  a  deferving  brother." 


298       Fraternal  tribute  ofrefped.  to  the 

What  an  irreparable  lofs,  to  be  deprived 
of  fuch  a  patron  at  fuch  a  time  !  Ages,  per- 
haps, will  pafs  away,  before  our  Fraternity 
may  boaft  at  its  head  a  character  fo  great, 

Yet  let  not  our  enemies  fuppofe  they  may 
triumph  now  that  he  lives  not  to  confute 
their  afperlions.  The  fuperior  luftre  of  his 
name  will  out-fhine  the  flalhes  of  their  re- 
fentment,  and  refled  a  glory  upon  Mafonr^ 
which  pan  never  fade. 

Happy  in  its  original  value  and  grateful 
for  its  augmented  fame,  let  us  refolve  never 
to  forfeit  nor  leffen  the  prefent  high  refped- 
ability  of  the  craft.  Let  our  lives  be  adorn- 
ed with  thofe  focial  and  moral  virtues  which 
become  us  as  the  fons  of  light,  and  the  broth- 
ers of  Washington.  We  ihall  honor  him 
by  honoring  the  inftitution  of  his  early  at- 
tachment, and  lateft  veneration.  His  vir- 
tues illuftrated  its  principles,  and  his  benev- 
olence explained  its  tendencies.  O  might 
our  virtuous  actions  and  benevolent  pur- 
pofes,  formed  by  the  fame  difcipline  and 
excited  by  the  fame  motives,  emulate  his  ! 


Chara6ler  of  Wqfh'mgton,  299 

And,  though  they  fall,  at  laft,  far,  far  be- 
hind in  merit  and  efFed  j  it  will  be  to  their 
praife  that  they  were  modelled  after  thofe 
that  were  fublime  and  perfect. 

Illustrious  Washington  !  We  lament 
thee  as  mortal  by  nature,  but  we  celebrate 
thee  as  immortal  by  virtue  !  We  mourn  thy 
departure  from  earth,  but  rejoice  at  thy  arri- 
val in  heaven  !  Having  been  faithful  in  all 
thy  courfe,  thou  art  now  raifed  to  the  fub- 
lime degree  of  light  ineffable.  Taught 
by  thy  example  worthily  to  pafs  the  proba- 
tionary grades  of  time,  we  will  hope  to  fol- 
low thee  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  kindred 
fpirits. 

Farpwell,  till  the  grand  fummons  :  then, 
brother,  we  will  rife  and  meet  thee  ! 


THE 

EXTEMPORANEOUS  DIRGE 

WHICH  WAS  SUNG  ON  THE  OCCASION. 

WHILE  all  our  nation,  wheml'd  in  grief. 
Lament  their  General,  Patriot,  Chief, 

Let  us,  his  brethren,  long  revere 

A  name  to  Mafonry  fo  dear  ! 

In  myftic  rites  our  Lodge  difplays 
Its  forrows  and  its  patron's  praife  ; 

And  fpreads  frefh  garlands  round  the  tomb. 
Where  the  fweet  caffia  long  fhall  bloom. 

Look  to  the  Eaft  ;  its  fplendors  fail  ! 

The  leffer  lights  grow  dim  and  pale  ! 
- — ^The  glory  once  reflected  here 
Now  dawns  upon  a  higher  fphere  ! 


MASONIC  DIRGE. 

/ 

COMPOSED  AT  THE  RK(yiEST  OF  THE 

GRAND  LODGE  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

[Stt  to  muftc  by  the  R.  W.  Brotbtr  lioLVEi},arulfungon  tie  lltl>  9/ 
Feb.  J  800,  the  day  fet  apart  by  the  Grand  Lodge  to  pay  their  funeral 
honors  to  their  Brother  Geokge  Washington.] 

WHILE  every  Orator  and  Bard  difplays 
The  Hero's  glory  and  the  Patriot's  fame  ; 

And  ALL  the  Guardian  of  their  Country  praife, 
Revere  his  greatnefs  and  his  ^orth  proclaim — 

We  mourn  the  Man,  made  ou^s  by  tendereft  tics, 

STi&wV honor'd Chieftain,  ourXov'd  Brother  dies  ! 

Come  then,  the  myftic  rites  no  more  delay  ; 
Deep  filence  reigns,  the  tapers  dimly  burn  : 

Wisdom  and  Fortitude  the  requiem  pqy. 
And  Beauty  ftrews  frefh  garlands  round  the  urn. 

A  Mason,  brothers  ;  a  Grand  Master  dies  ! 

The  caffia  fprig  defignates  where  he  lies. 

As  Love  Fraternal  leads  our  footfteps  there. 
Again  to  weep,  again  to  bid  adieu. 

Faith  views  the  foul,  releas'd  from  mortal  care. 
Through  fpheres  empyreal  its  bleft  courfe  purfue, 

'Till  it  the  Lodge  of  Perfect  Light  attain  ; 

There  may  we  meet  our  Washington  again. 


SCNG     AT     THE      CONSECRATION      OF      UNION     LODGE,     JN 

DORCHESTER,   June  24,    1797. 
I. 

GREAT  fource  of  light  and  love. 
To  thee  our  fongs  we  raife  ( 

O  in  thy  Temple  Lord  above, 
Hear  and  accept  our  praife  ! 

II. 

Shine  on  this  feftive  day. 

Succeed  its  hop'd  defign  : 
And  may  our  charity  difplay 

A  love  refembling  thine. 

III. 

May  this  fraternal  band. 

Now  confecrated,  blefs'd. 
In  UNION  all  diftinguifh'd  ftand. 

In  PURITY  be  drefs'd  ! 

rv. 

May  all  the  fons  of  peace 

Their  every  grace  improve  ; 
'Till  difcord  through  the  nations  ceafe, 

And  all  the  world  be  love  ! 


TRANSLATION  of  the  NOTES. 


PAGE     17. 

1  HIS  is  genuine  and  indlflbluble  fraternitt,  grow- 
i*g  out  of  the  virtue  and  perfecSbion  of  minds  !  whofe  once  form- 
ed league  neither  the  diverfity  of  defires  nor  contrariety  of 
wills  can  difannul :  whofe  principles  lead  to  venerate  the  worthy 
and  rebuke  the  diflblute  member  ;  to  be  obliging  to  the  brother 
when  prefent,  and  not  to  fpeak  ill  of  him  when  abfent  ;  to  con- 
gratulate him  in  health,  and  not  to  defert  him  when  infirm  ;  to 
rejoice  with  him  if  rich,  and  to  affift  him  if  poor. 

PAGE    21. 
For  a  brother  not  to  defert  his  brother,  is  alfo  a  rare  honor  t« 
that  near  relationflaip. 


A  true  companion  loves  at  all  times  :  he  is  a  brother  bora  for 

adverfity. 

PAGE     24. 

As  when  the  Sun  breaks  forth  with  fplenddrs  gay, 

The  fliadow  follows  his  all-guiding  ray  ; 

But  foon  as  clouds  o'ercaft  his  happier  light,' 

Follower  no  more  !  She  takes  her  faithlefs  flight  : 

The  world's  Vain  friends,  ungenerous,  thus  recede, 

When  Fortune's  glooms  to  brighter  days  fucceed. 


In  misfortunes  the  friend  deferts  his  friend. 

PAGE    29. 
Dear  Brother  of  tJji  choice  !  A  band  more  facred 
Than  Nature's  brittle  tie !  — — 

PACE    36. 
Companions,  cheriflted  with  fraternal  love ! 


304  Tranjlatlon  of  the  Notes. 

PAGE   40. 
Now  came  the  Orator,  and  audience  afkM  ; 
Bearing  the  peaceful  olive  branch  —— . 

PAGE  65. 
Among  other  good  things  which  render  men  amiable  to  their 
neighbors  and  pleaCng  to  God,  we  believe  that  to  be  moA  accept- 
able which  infures  charity  in  the  heart  and  operates  as  a  bond  of 
union  to  different  minds.  This  good  is  Peace,  by  which  hatred 
is  difpelled,  rancor  allayed,  envy  driven  away,  and  anger  repreff- 
«d;  which  pacifies  the  mind,  conciliates  the  heart,  affuages  the 
fcreaft,  and  renders  concordant  the  affedlions.  This  is  what  we 
feek  to  plant,  to  propagate,  and  to  nourifli  among  the  fons  of  the 
church  :  this  is  what  we  wifli  to  bring  to  fruit  among  kings, 
princes,  and  great  men.* 

PAGE  171. 
Thefe  men,  (killed  in  divine  and  human  knowledge,  do  not 
difclofe  to  the  vulgar  the  hidden  fignifications  contained  under 
the  natural  appearances,  but  veil  them  under  figures  and  em- 
blems. Yet  they  are  ready  to  reveal  them,  in  a  proper  place,  and 
with  due  ceremonies  to  thofc  who  are  deiirous  and  worthy  of  be- 
ing initiated.  So  far  1  may  be  permitted  to  fay  with  refpedt  ; 
breferving  a  reverential  fijence  as  to  what  farther  relates  to  thefe 
myftic  rites.  [This  note  is  extralied  f torn  q  viorh  0^  Hei,I0D0R17S, 
Bijbop  of  Tricca,  tuho  Jlourijhed  in  the  wtb  century.'] 

Mojl  of  the  other  Latin  notes  are  explained  in  the  faff  ages  to  -which 
they  are  annexed,  ■ 

*  1  have  taken  the  liberty  to  tranflate  two  or  three  fentences 
more  of  this  fine  paragraph  than  what  I  had  tranfcribed  for  a  note. 


DISSERTATION 


TESSERA     HOSPITALIS 

OF    THE 

ANTIENT  ROMANS  ; 
WITH  A  DESIGN  TO  ILLUSTRATE  REV.  II.  17. 

TO  WHICH  IS  ADDED, 

AN  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  ROMAN  ARRHA  HOSPITALE 

AND 

OF  THE  5^  C/Z,Zt/5,  MENTIONED 

BY 

OLAUS   WORMIUS. 

"  USE  HOSFlTALirr  ONE  TO  ANOTHER.''^        I    PET.    IV.   9. 

PRINTED, 

1801. 


PROLOGUS. 

"  In  Theologo zccurztum.  illud  antiquitatis  flu- 
dium,  fi  abeft,  fortafle  non  requiram  ;  fi  adeft,  ve- 
hementer  ampleftar.  Nee  folum  quafi  ornamentum, 
fed  etiam,  fas  fi  dicere,  adjumentum.  Nam  in  hifto- 
ria  facra  multa  cfle,  quorum  penitior  intelligent! a 
pendeat  a  moribus  et  Uteris  antiquis,  nemo  negabit.'* 
J.  LiPsius,  Epift.  1.  3.  Ep.  10. 


INTRODUCTION. 

In  the  following  dijfertation  I  have 
frequently  ufed  the  term  friendship  for  the  latin 
HospiTALiTAS.     hi  jujiification  of  which   Iprejia 
the  following  authorities, 

"  HosPEs  proprie  dlcitur  qui  privatim  et 
amicitia  caufa,  vel  recipit,  vel  recipitur. 
Unde  et  pro  externo  amico  capitur,  et  hofpi^ 
iium  pro  amicitia,  Hine  hospitalitas,  facilitas^ 
vel  benignitas  in  recipiendo ;  et  hospitauteh, 
adv.  benigne^  tX.faciliter,^^* 

**  Virtus  unde  hoc  proficifcitur,  nobilif- 
lima  praeftantiflimaque  eft  j  qua  nimirum 
peregrines  et  advenas,  quocunque  poffumus, 
humanitatis,  benignitatis,  benevolentiseque 
genere  perfequimur,  illis  aedes  domofque 
noftros  patefacimus,  cibum  potumquc  liber- 
aliter  praebemus."! 

"  In  hofpitiiim  venire  j"  id  eft,  inviolabilem 
amicitiam  introire. 

*  Lancius.     \  Si'UCKius,  ant'^i.  canviviaks,  p.  87, 


3o8  Introdu^ion. 

"Hospitality  was  that  tie  among  the 
antients  which  was  ratified  by  particular 
ceremonies,  and  confidered  as  the  moft  facred 
of  all  engagements  ;  nor  diffolved,  except 
with  certain  folemn  forms,  and  for  weighty 
reafons." 

"  Hospitality  was  univerfally  praclif- 
ed  in  the  earlieft  times.  It  was  almoft  the 
only  thing  that  attached  nations  to  each 
other.  It  was  the  ijurce  of  the  moft  antient, 
the  moft  lafting,  and  the  moft  refpecled 
friendjhip,  contracted  between  families  who 
were  feparated  by  immenfe  regions."* 

*  Abbe  RaYNAL,  Hiji.  of  the  Indies. 


CHAP.  I. 

OF  THE  TESSERA  HOSPITALIS. 
SECTION  I. 

Method  of  contracting  Friendjhip, 

1  HOSE  perfons  among  the  Greeks 
and  Romans  who  were  defirous  of  perpetu- 
ating their  attachmeni,  of  rendering  its 
union  more  facred,  and  of  infuring  to  it  priv- 
ileges more  extenfive,  ufed  the  following 
method.  They  took  a  fmall  piece  of  bone, 
ivory,  or  ftone,  and  dividing  it  into  equal 
and  limilar  parts,  one  of  them  wrote  his 
name  upon  one  of  thefe,  and  his  friend  upon 
the  other  :  they  then  made  a  mutual  ex- 
change ;  promifmg  to  confider  and  retain 
the  little  tally  as  a  pledge  of  inviolable  friend- 
fhip. 

"  Veteres,  quoniam  non  poterant  omnes 
fuos  hofpites  nofcere,  tejferam  illis  dabant, 
quam  illi  ad  hofpitia  reverfi  oftendebant 
praepofito  hofpitii ;  unde  intelligebantur  hof- 
pites."* 

*  LucTATius  in  Stat.     Theb.  vii.  237. 
U   2 


3IO  DiffertaHon^  ^c. 

The  Scholiaft  of  Euripides  *  defcribes  this 
cuftom  as  it  was  ufed  amongft  the  Greeks. 

'^  0/  f/-ev  ^fV8/xfVo/  T/fiT/v  uqr^uyaXov  nularsixvov- 

AvjAs?  exuyofJusvoi  ro  vjixiav  utfl^uyx^^iov  avsvsvlo  tv^w 
^eviciv"  That  is  ;  "  They  had  a  cuftom, 
when  a  friendfhip  had  commenced,  to  take  a 
white  ftone  and  engrave  thereon  any  word 
upon  which  the  parties  had  mutually  agreed. 
Then  they  brake  the  ftone  in  the  midft,  di- 
viding the  word,  and  one  half  was  kept  by 
one  friend,  and  the  remaining  half  by  the 
other,  as  a  conftant  memorial  of  their  friend- 
fliip." 

KcEMPFER  mentions  the  ufe  of  the  teffera 
in  contracting  friendfhips  in  Perlia.f 

The  particular  ftiape  and  figure  of  the 
token,  was  fuch  as  was  agreed  upon  by  the 
contradors. 

Of  this  kind  of  teffera  feveral  are  preferv- 
qd  to  this  day  in  the  cabinets  of  Antiquarians. 

*  ///  Medea,  V.  613.     f  Amenit.  Exoi.  p.  736. 


Dijfertation,  ^c,  311 

Some  of  them,  as  defcribed  by  Thomafinus, 
may  be  feen  delineated  in  the  Frontifpiece 
of  this  volume,  A,  a.  B,  b.  C,  c.  reduced  to 
about  one  fourth  of  their  fize. 


SECTION  II. 

^HE  ufe  and  f acred  nature  of  this  Cojitra^^ 

THE  producing  of  the  teffera  was  a  recog- 
nition of  the  covenant  of  friendfhip.  And 
with  it  the  traveller  was  fure  to  be  received 
with  diftinguiflied  marks  o£  civility,  and  to 
obtain  a  hearty  welcome  at  the  houfe  of  his 
friend. 

So  highly  was  this  alliance  efteemed,  that 
it  was  preferred  even  to  relationfliip.  To 
exprefs,  in  the  mod  forcible  terms,  their 
veneration  for  it,  and  their  fenfe  of  its  facred 
nature,  the  antient  Romans  gave  to  their 
Sovereign  of  the  Gods  the  title  of  Jupiter 

HOSPITALIS.* 

*  ViRG.  vE/;.  lib.  I.  V.  735.  So  the  Greeks  ftiled  him  Hospit- 
able Jove.     See  Homer's  Oiys.lih  ix.  v.  269.  and  lib.  xiv.  v.  5^. 


312  Dijfertation,  Isfc. 

This  excellent  ufage  eftabliflied  friendfliip 
even  between  individuals  of  different  nations. 

Cicero  recommended  feveral  perfons, 
and  promoted  their  intereft  from  this  con- 
fideration.  Thus,  in  his  letter  to  Sulpitius, 
the  governor  of  Achaia,  he  introduces  Lyfo 
to  his  favor,  by  faying,  "  Cum  Lyfone 
Patrenfi  eft  mihi  quidem  hofpitium  vetus, 
quam  ego  necellitudinem  fancle  colendum 
puto."* 

Even  war  between  their  refpective  nations 
did  not  difannul  the  union.  Hiftorians  have 
recorded  feveral  inftances  of  combatants  lay- 
ing down  their  arms  in  the  heat  of  battle,  out 
of  a  pious  regard  to  the  alliance  of  hofpitality 
which  had  been  entered  into  by  their  pro- 
genitors. 

Lest  any  one,  belides  the  perfon  to 
whom  it  rightfully  belonged,  fhould  claim  its 
privileges,  the  little  pledge  was  preferved 
with  the  utmoft  care  and  fecrecy:  and  no 
one  knew  the  name  infcribed  on  it  but  the 
pofleffor. 

*  Epijl.  ad  Fa?ml.  19.  lib.  iii. 


DiJJertation^  Zffc,  313 

SECTION  III. 

The  connedion  was  indijfoluble  except  by  a  pub- 
lic difavozuaL 

THE  engagement  thus  entered  into  could 
not  be  difpenfed  with,  unlefs  publicly  difa- 
vowed  in  a  juridical  manner.  One  of  the 
ceremonies  pradifed  in  this  folemn  adl  of  re- 
nunciation, was  to  break  the  mark  or  fymbol 
of  hofpitality.  By  this  acl,  he  who  came  to 
this  open  rupture,  authentically  declared,  he 
would  for  the  future  have  no  more  com- 
merce with  him  who  had  broken  his  faith 
with  him. 

"  Abi,  quaere  ubi  jurejurando  tuo  fatis  lit 
fubfidii  !  Hie,  apud  nos,  jam,  Alfefimarche, 
confregifti  tefferam."* 

See,  alfo,  an  inftance  recorded  by  Li\'y,t 
where  Badius  Campanus  renounces  the 
friendftiip  of  Q^  Crifpinus. 

IsiODORUs  declares,  "  Veteres  quando  fibi 
promittebant,  ftipulam  tenentes  frangebant, 
quam  iterum  jungentes  fponfiones  fuas-ag- 
nofcebant."j: 

•  Plaut.  Cijierd.  A<51  ii.  Sc.  i.  v.  27.     f  Decad.  iii.  lib.  5.     t  Lib.  ^ 


314  Dijferiation,  ^a 

SEC.  IV. 

Dtfgrace  of  violation. 

THIS  connection  was  founded  upon  all 
that  was  honorable  in  charader,  virtuous  in 
principle,  and  generous  and  afFedionate  in 
difpofition.  Nothing,  therefore,  was  confid- 
ered  fo  bafe  as  a  violation  of  it.  "  Non  de- 
faere  tamen,  qui  ferarum  more,  non  homi- 
num,  ab  omni  humanitate  alieni  erant,  ut 
non  benigne  hofpites  ad  menfam  admitterent, 
fed  menfae  apponerent."* 

Plutarch  informs  us  that  thofe  who  vio- 
lated thefe  bonds^,  were  looked  upon  as  wick- 
ed and  abominable  both  among  Greeks  and 
Romans  :  and  the  moft  injurious  thing  that 
could  be  faid  of  a  man  was  to  charge  him 
with  having  difregarded  the  laws  of  hofpital- 
ity.  "  The  vengeance  of  Jupiter,  the  patron 
of  hofpitality  and  friendfliip,  vifited  Philip 
(fays  he)  for  his  breach  of  both,  and  purfued 
him  through  life.  For  he  was  beaten  by  the 
Romans,  and  forced  to  yield  himfelf  to  t^ieir 

*  CiESARius,  dial.  2. 


Differtation,  ^c.  315 

difcretion.  In  confequence  of  which  he  was 
ftripped  of  all  the  provinces  he  had  conquer- 
ed ;  gave  up  all  his  fhips,  except  five  j  oblig- 
ed himfelf  to  pay  a  thoufand  talents,  and  de- 
liver his  fon  as  a  hoftage.  He  even  held 
Macedonia  and  its  dependencies  only  at  the 
mercy  of  the  conquerors.  Amidft  all  thefe 
misfortunes,  he  was  poffcffed  only  of  one  blef- 
fing,  a  fon  of  fuperior  virtue  ;  and  him  he  put 
to  death,  in  his  envy  and  jealoufy  of  the  hon- 
ors the  Romans  paid  him."* 

Horace,  fpeaking  of  a  degenerate  perfon, 
to  complete  his  charader,  declares  him 
■ <*  et  penetrall4 


Sparfifle  nofturno  cruore 
Hofpitis." 

Cicero,  in  his  invectives  againft  Verres, 
among  other  crimes,  charges  him  with  hav- 
ing been  a  frequent  violator  of  the  rights  of 
hofpitality.  "  Num  te  ejus  lachrymse,  num 
feneclus,  num  hofpitii  jus  atque  nomen,  a 
fcelere  aliquam  ad  partem  humanitatis  revo- 
care  potuit  ?  Sed  quid  ego  hofpitii  jurq.  in 
hac   tam   immani   bellua   commemoro,  qui 

*  Plutarch's  A'wj  V.  6.  p.  196.  Langhorne's  ira'ijlathn. 


2i6  Dijfertation^  ^c, 

Sthenium  Termitanum,  hofpitem  fuum,  cujus 
domum  per  hofpitium  exhaulit  et  exinanivit, 
abfentem  in  reos  retulerit,  caufa  indi6la,  capite 
damnarit  j  ab  eo  nunc  hofpitiorum  jura 
atque  olEcia  quaeramus  ?" 

"  Unpitied  may  he  die 
Who  to  a  friend  affiftance  can  deny ; 
Nor,  to  afflicted  virtue  kind, 
Unlocks  the  treafures  of  his  mind  !"* 


SECTION  V. 

The  privileges  of  this  Friendjhip  might  be 
claimed  by  the  defcendants  of  the  contra6ling 
parties, 

WHEN  this  Friendfliip  was  contracted 
it  became  perpetual.  The  memorials  of  it 
were  tranfmitted  from  father  to  fon. 

'*  Eo  prefente  homini  extemplo  oftendit 
fymbolum,  C)uem  tute  dederas  ad  eum,  ut- 
ferret  filio."t 

*  EuRIPlD.  Medea.      Potter's  tranjlation. 
t   Plaut.     Bacchid.  ASt.  II,  Sc.  3. 


f 


Differtation,  '<3'c.  317 

Plautus,  in  his  comedy  entitled  Poenulus, 
plainly  intimates  that  the  defcendants  of 
thofe  who  formed  the  friendly  compact, 
might  challenge  its  rights.  In  the  fecond 
fcene  of  Act  v,  he,  who  had  made  "  the 
brotherly  covenant"  with  Antidamus,  comes 
to  his  fon,  not  doubting  of  an  affedlionate 
welcome  ;  for,  faith  he, 

*'  Deum  hofpitalem,  ac  tefleram  mecum  fero." 

The  interview  which  fucceeds,  is  a  pleaf- 
ing  illuftration  of  many  of  the  preceding  re- 
marks. Poenulus  is  introduced  inquiring  for 
Agoraftocles,  who  thus  replies, 

**  Siquidemae  tu  Antidam  hie  qu^eris  adoptatitium, 
Ego  fum  ipfus,  quern  tu  quseris. 

PCEN.     Hem  !  quid  audio  ? 

AG.     Antidamse  gnatum  me  efle. 

PCEN.     Si  ita  eft,  tefleram  confer >,"e  fi  vis  hofpitalem, 
Eccam  attuli.  i 

AG.     Age  dum  hue  oftende  !  Eft  par  ?  Probe. 
Nam  habeo  domi. 


31 8  Dijferiation,  tffc. 

PCEN.     O  mi  hofpes,  falve  multum  !  Nam  mihi  tuus 

pater, 

Pater  tuus  ergo  mihi  Antidamas  fuit. 

Hsec  mihi  hofpitaUs  teflera  cum  illo  olim  fuit. 
AG.     Ergo  hie  apud  me  hofpitium  tibi  prsebebitur. 

PCEN.     Dii  dent  tibi  omnia  quae  veUs  !" 

The  antient  Greeks,  alfo,  depofited  thefe 
tokens  among  their  treafures,  to  keep  up  the 
memory  of  their  friendfliips  to  fucceeding 
generations  ;  as  we  are  informed  by  the  com- 
ment of  Euftathius  on  that  paffage  of  Homer 
where  Diomedes  recounts  to  Glaucus  the 
gifts  which  their  anceftors  Oeneus  and  Belle- 
rophron  had  prefented  each  other. 


Dijfertation,  i^c,  319 

SECTION  VI.  ' 

A  PRACriCE  of  this  kindfeems  to  ha'ue  been  in 
ufe  among  the  early  chrijiians. 

TERTULLIAN  has  thefe  words  :  "Sic 
omnes  probant  unitatem  ;  dum  eft  illis  com- 
municatio  pacis,  et  appellatio  fraternitatis,  et 
contefferatio  hofpitalitatis  :  quae  jura  non 
alia  ratio  regit  quam  ejufdem  facramenti  una 
traditio."* 

The  teffera  was  carried  by  them  in  their 
travels  as  an  introduction  to  the  friendfliip 
and  brotherly  kindnefs  of  their  fellow  chrif- 
tians.f  Afterwards,  heretics,  to  enjoy  thofe 
privileges,  counterfeited  the  teffera.  The 
chriftians  then  altered  the  infcription.  This 
was  frequently  done,  till  the  Nicene  council 
gave  their  fandion  to  thofe  marked  with  the 
initials  of  the  words  Uarvi^,  Tiog,  Kym  Tlvevixcc, 
Thefe  B.  Hildebrand  calls  "  telTerse  cano- 
nic3e."J 

The  impoftor  Peregrinus,  as  we  learn  from 
the   particulars   ftated  by   Lucian,§  feigned 

*  Be  Prafcrip.  cap.  20.  See  alfo  S.  Ambros.  lib.  ii.  offic.  cap.  ai, 
and  lib.  iii.  cap.  7.  Chrysostom.  condone  %,de  Lazaro.  Augustin. 
ferm.  70,  de  temp.  CoNciL.  Trident./^  xkv.  c.  8. 
f  C.  Corn  a  Lapide,  Comment,  in  Pauii  Apoft.  epifl.  Hsebr.  cap,  xiiL 
\  Col.  in  Alma  Julia. 

§  LuciANi  opera,  torn.  Ill,  (ib,  9.  p.  215.  edit,  Amf.  1743. 


320  Dijfertation^   ^c. 

himfelf  a  chriflian,  that  he  might  not  only 
be  clothed  and  fed  by  then]f,  but  allifted  on 
his  travels  and  enriched  by  their  generofity. 
3ut  his  artifice  was  deteded  and  expofed. 

*'  Peregrinus,  philofophus  gentilis,  lucri 
caufa  religionis  chriftianae  ftimulator,  etiam 
carcerem  toleravit  ;  fed  coUeda  non  parva 
pecunia  ex  eleemofynis  Sandorum,  defcivit, 
fatis  libi  aiens  in  hofpitalitate  chriftianorum.* 

The  procuring  a  teffera,  as  a  teftimony  of 
evangelization,  anfwered  all  the  purpofes, 
and  faved  the  trouble  of  formal  written  cer- 
tificates, and  introdudory  letters  of  recom- 
mendation. The  danger  of  its  being  ufed  by 
impofl;ors,  as  in  the  cafe  of  Peregrinus,  made 
it  neceffary  to  preferve  the  token  with  great 
care,  and  never  to  produce  it  but  upon  fpec- 
ial  occafions.  Notwithftanding  the  fimplicity 
of  this  method,  it  continued  in  ufe  until  the 
time  of  D.  Burchardus,  Abp.  of  Worms, 
who  flouriflied  a.  d.  io2o,  who  mentions  it 
in  a  vifitation  charge. 

*  EusEB.  chron.  anno  xtL  78.     See  alfo  the   tefVinionies  of  Aulus 
Gellius,  Ammianus  Marcellinus,  Athenacoras,  and  Ter- 

TULLIAN. 


D'tfertatioriy  ^c.  321 

SECTION  VII. 

Application, 

WE  find  from  the  foregoing  fe(?lIons  that 
the  teffera  was  the  teftimonial  and  pledge  of 
the  moft  perfed  friendfhip  ;  the  obligations 
of  which  were  mutual,  facred,  and  indiffolu- 
ble,  and  the  benefits  perpetual.  The  little 
token  was  carefully  and  privately  kept,  that 
no  one  might  claim  and  enjoy  its  privileges, 
but  he  for  whom  they  were  intended.  And 
this  cuftom,  I  have  thought,  gives  the  moft 
natural  explication  of  the  following  paffage  in 
Revelations  ii.  17.  To  him  that  overco?neth 
will  I  give  a  white  Jione^  and  in  thejione  a  new 
name  written^  which  no  man  knoweth  faving  he 
that  receiveth  it.  Allowing  the  verfe  to  refer 
to  the  beforementioned  method  of  com- 
mencing and  perpetuating  a  fpecial  Friend- 
fhip, the  promife  will  be  to  this  effect  :  To 
him  that  overcometh  will  I  give  a  pledge  of 
my  affeftion  which  fliall  conftitute  him  7ny 
rsiENDj  and  entitle  him  to  privileges  and 
w 


322  Dijfertation,  &'c. 

honors,  of  which  none  elfe  can  know  the 
value  or  extent.* 

The  following  apoftrophe  in  Dr,  Watts' 
Ixxviii  hymn  of  the  iftbook,  is  a  happy  illuf- 
tration  of  this  paffage.  It  reprefents  the 
Saint  entreating  his  beloved  Lord. 

«  O  let  my  name  engraven  ftand 
Both  on  thy  heart  and  on  thy  hand. 
Seal  me  upon  thine  arm,  and  wear 
That  pledge  of  love  forever  there  ! 

Stronger  than  death  thy  love  is  known. 
Which  floods  of  wrath  could  never  drown  i 
And  hell  and  earth  in  vain  combine 
To  quench  a  flame  fo  much  divine. 

But  I  am  jealous  of  my  heart, 
Left  it  fhould  once  from  thee  depart  ; 
Then  let  thy  name  be  well  impreft 
As  a  fair  fignet  on  my  breaft  !" 

*  Sec  more  particularly  Discourse  v* 


Dijfertationj  ^c»  323 


SEC.  VIII. 

ObjeB'wns  removed. 

THE  opinion  of  learned  commentators 
upon  this  verfe  in  the  Apocalypfe,  fo  far  as 
they  differ  from  this  explanation,  will  be 
confidered  as  leifening  its  confequence  ;  the 
objedt  of  this  fecliqn,  therefore,  is  to  make 
fome  remarks  upon  the  moft  plaulible  con- 
flrucbion^  of  this  paffage.  Th^  explications 
which  have  been  generally  adopted,  are  the 
following. 

I.  The  text  has  been  confidered  as  allud- 
ing to  the  black  and  white  ftones  with  which 
the  judges,  among  the  antients,  condemned 
or  acquitted  the  criminal. 

**  Mos  erat  antiquis,  niveis  atrifque  lapillis. 
His  damnare  reos,  illis  ablolvere  culpa."* 

But  the  latter  part  of  the  verfe  convinces 
us  that  it  could  not  intend  this  practice  ;  for 
on  thefe  tefferx  there  was  7io  name  written. 

*  Ovid. 


324  Differ  tat  ion,  l^fc, 

1.  Others  have  fuppofed  it  an  allufio» 
to  the  ftone  given  to  fervants  when  they 
were  liberated  by  their  mafters,  accompanied 
by  the  name  of  Freedjiian.  Yet  the  benefit, 
the  honor,  and  the  privileges  of  this  eman- 
cipation muft  be  conferred  in  vain,  or  rather 
could  not  be  given  at  all,  unlefs  known  to 
others  befides  him  who  received  them. 

3.  It  has  again  been  fuppofed  to  allude 
to  the  token  or  ticket  gieven  to  the  con- 
queror in  the  Olympic  games,  exprefling 
his  name  and  fignifying  the  reward  he  was 
to  receive  for  his  achievements  :  but  here 
the  name  muft  be  known  or  the  reward  could 
not  be  procured. 


Dijfertatlon,  ^(,  32^ 


CHAP.  n. 

QF  THE  ARRHA  HOSPITALE. 

THIS  name  was  given  to  the  pocket-pieces, 
or  keep-fakes,  formed  by  breaking  a  piece  of 
money  in  two.  Such  broken  coins  are  fre- 
quently found  at  Rome.  On  one  fide  are  the 
heads  of  Aug.  C^sar  and  M.  Agrippa  ;. 
on  the  other  a  crocodile  chained  to  a  tree, 
with  the  words  COL.  NEM.  [Colonia  Ne- 
MAUsus]  a  province  of  Gaul,  with  which 
thofe  Princes  were  rewarded  after  the  con- 
queft  of  Egypt,     See  in  the  Frontifpiece,  E,  e. 

Plautus  introduces  Palaeftrio,  in  his  com- 
edy entitled  "  Miles  Gloriofus,'*  prefenting 
a  token  of  this  name. 

"  HuNC  arrabonem  amoris  primum  a  me 
recipe."*  The  Romans,  probably,  obtained 
both  the  word  and  the  cuftom  from  the  an- 
tient  Hebrews.     The  word  is  ufed,  i  Samu- 

*  Aa,  IV.  Seen.  i. 


326  Differ tation,  tsfe. 

uel,  xvii.  18.  where  David  is  fcnt  to  the 
camp  to  fee  how  his  brethren  fared,  and  to 
take  their  an^"-!;?  [arrabon]  pledge.  The 
Greek  word  c^fa^wv,  a  pledge^  or  furety,  oc- 
curs 2  Cor.  i.  22.  V.  5.  and  Ephes.  i.  14.  It 
is,  alfo,  ufed  in  the  Septuagint  yerfion  of 
Gen.  xxxvii.  17,  18,  20,  where  it  anfwers 
to  the  Hebrew  jUiy. 

In  the  Frontifpiece  D,  d.  is  copied,  from  a 
plate  of  curious  articles,  an  antique,  which 
from  its  form,  and  the  clafped  hands  engrav- 
ed upon  it,  will  be  readily  underftood  to  be- 
long to  this  clafs  of  tefferae  :  and  may  be 
confidered  as  corroborative  proof  that  the 
cuftom  we  are  elucidating  came  originally 
from  the  Hebrews, 


D'ljfertation^  Is'c.  327 

CHAP.  IIL 

OF  THE  BACILLUS. 

THE  bacillus  was  a  love-token  entirely 
refembling  the  tejfera  hofpitalis.  It  is  thus 
defcribed  by  Olaus  Wormius  :  "  Bacillus  eft 
quadratus  trium  poUicum  longitudine  ;  lat- 
itudine  tertia  parte  poUicis  ;  latera  quatuor 
characteribus  inlignita  habens  ;  expruno  fyl- 
veftri,  ut  videtur,  fabricatus."* 

A  FIGURE  of  one  he  has  given  may  be  feen 
in  the  plate,  F,  f.  He  fuppofes  the  letters  to 
be  amatorial,  and  fo  written  as  to  convey  in 
an  intricate,  or  anagrammatic,  manner  the 
name  of  the  lover,  in  a  fentiment  of  attach- 
ment intelligible  to  all. 

The  words  on  the  tejfera  amatoria  or  bacillus y 
which  he  has  defcribed  are  : 

Bynaffa  viiet  hierejla  muia  aff 
Thenkejlol  inde  Latidian. 
*'  Nomen  meum  novit  amiciffima  mea 
Ex  amoris  hac  teflera  Landum." 

•  IHsnummU  Dankorum  lib,  xvii. 


328 


Dijfertat'wn^  Is'c, 


«  Bleft  be  the  pledge,  whofe  kind  enchantment  gives 
To  wounded  Jove  the  food  on  which  it  Uves  ! 
Rich  in  this  gift,  though  cruel  ocean  bear 
The  youth  to  exile  from  his  faithful  fair, 
He  in  fond  dreams  hangs  o'er  her  glowing  cheek. 
Still  owns  her  prefent,  and  ftill  hears  her  fpeak." 

Hayley. 


^^kP-^ 


LIST  OF . 


SUBSCRIBERS. 


ACKNOWLEDGMENT  AND  APOLOGY 


SUBSCRIBERS. 

To  the  refpefted  officers  and  mem- 
bers of  the  GRAND  LODGE,  and  to  my 
beloved  brethren  of  the  feveral  lodges 
throughout  the  Commonwealth,  my  grate- 
ful acknowledgments  are  due  for  the  kind 
encouragement  and  liberal  patronage  they 
have  given  to  this  work.  This  inftance  of 
their  benevolent  attention,  added  to  the 
various  other  favors  they  have  heaped  upon 
me,  affects  me  fenfibly.  I  wifh  I  could  bet- 
ter exprefs  and  better  repay  my  obligations. 
I  hope  they  will  not  be  altogether  difappoint- 
cd  in  the  volume  ;  and  that  it  may  prove 

A    MONUMENT    OF    MY    GRATITUDE    TO    THEM, 
AND  OF  MT  ATTACHMENT  TO  MASONRY. 

I  REGRET  that,  fubfcription  papers  not 
having  been  returned  in  feafon,  the  lift  of 
Subfcribers  is  fo  very  imperfeft.  It  com- 
prifcs  but  about  half  the  lodges.  I  have 
heard  repeatedly  of  the  encouragement  tliis 


332         Acknowledgment  to  Siibfcribers, 

work  has  met  in  lodges  whofe  returns  have 
not  reached  me,  and  from  brethren  whofe 
names  would  do  honor  to  my  lift. 

As  a  change  of  OiEcers  has  taken  place 
fmce  the  papers  were  fubfcribed,  I  found  my- 
felf  not  a  little  embarraffed  in  affixing  proper 
titles  ;  but,  from  the  returns  of  lodges  at 
the  quarterly  communications  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  endeavoured  to  make  the  neceffary 
alterations. 

For  reafons,  which  will  be  apparent  to 
the  Brethren,  civil  titles  are  omitted  alto- 
gether. 

For  any  error  or  mifnomer  in  tranfcrib- 
ing  the  lifts  I  muft  beg  pardon.  The  texture 
of  the  fubfcription  paper  was  fuch  that  the 
ink  fpread  fo  as  to  render  fome  of  the  names 
fcarcely  legible. 

T.  M.  HARRIS. 

DORCHESTER,  Mount-Potosi, 
July  7,  1801. 


LIST  OF  SUBSCRIBERS. 


GRAND  LODGE  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

Moji  Worjh'rpful  Samuel  Dunn,  Grand  Majler^  2  copies. 
Right  lVorJ]Apful  ]os^VH  L.avghtok,  Dep.  Gra7id  Mafier. 
Right  IVorJIjipfid  John  Boyle,  Senior  Grand  Warden,  3 
Right  Worjhipful  Isaac  Hurd,  Junior  Grand  Warden. 
Right  Worfhipfid  K-L-L'?.^  Crocker,  Grand  Treafurer^   6 
Worjj/tpfid  ]on-n  Procter,   Grand  Secretary. 
WorJInpfid  Amos  Lincoln,  S.  G.  Deacon. 
Worjhipful  Paul  Revere,  J.  G.  Deacon. 
RigJk  WorJ/jip/id  Bta J Anis  Russell;  G.  Marfl^al,    6 
Br.  Edward  Goodwin,  G.  Sivord  Bearer. 
Br.  John  Edmonds,        7     /-•     o.  / 

Br.  John   Risbrough,    |    ^-  S^^'^'^^^^' 
Br.  George  Gever,  G.  Tyler, 


PAST  GRAND  OFFICERS. 

M.  W.  John  Warren,  PaJ}  Grand  Majler^ 

M.  W.  Moses  Michael  Hays,  P.  G.  M. 

M.  W.  John  Cutler,  P.  G.  M. 

M.  W.  Paul  Revere,  P.  G.  M. 

M.  W.  Josiah  Bartlett,  P.  G.  M. 

R.  W.  William  Scollay,  P.  D.  G.  M. 

R.  W.  Perez  Morton,  P.  D.  G.  M. 

R.   W.  Timothy  Whiting,  P.  S.  G.  W. 

R.  W.  Isaiah  Thomas,  P.  S.  G.  W. 

R.  W.  Aaron  Dexter,  P.  J.  G.  W. 

R.  W.  Samuel  Parkman,  P.  J.  G.  W. 

W.  John  Jackson,  P.  G.  Sec. 

Br.  Danifl  Oliver,   P,  G.  S.. 

X  2 


334 


Subfcribers*  Names. 


CLERICAL  BRETHREN. 

R.  W.  and  Rev.  Edward  Bass,  D.  D.  (Ne'whury.Port.) 

Rev.   Bunker  Gay,  (Hinfdale,  N.  H.) 

Rev.  John  Eliot,  D.  D.  (Bojlon.) 

Rev.  Ezra  Ripley,  (Concord.) 

Rev.  Richard  Rosewell  Eliot,  (Waterto<von.) 

Rev.  MiLLiAM  Bentley,  (Salem.)  Pafl:  Grand  Chaplain. 

Rev.  John  Murray,  (Bojlon.) 

Rev.  Ebenezer  Coffin,   (Brunf'wick.) 

Rev.  Abraham  Lynsen  Clarke,  Paft  G.  Chaplain  t© 

the  G.  L.  of  Rhode  Ijland. 

Rev.  John  Pipon,  (Taunton.) 


St.  JOHN'S  LODGE,  (Boston.) 

R.  W.  Samuel  Wells  Hunt,  Mafter. 

W.   Shubael  Bell,  Senior  Warden. 

W.  George  Blake,  Junior  Warden. 

R.  W.  Thomas  Dennie,  Treafurer^  P.  M. 

Br.  William  AUine,  Secretary. 


R.  W.  Samuel  Shaw,  P.  M. 
R.  W.  Lewis  Hayt,  P.  M. 

MEMBERS    and   BRETHREN. 


Fortunatus  ^.  Allen 
Afahel  Bigelow 
Thomas  Buriey 
Cornelius  Coolidge 
Jofeph  Coolidge 
Jofeph  Dix, 
David  Everett. 


lO 


Ebenezer  Farley. 
John  Ward  Gurley. 
William  Healey. 
Ebenezer  Niles. 
Francis  J.  Oliver. 
Thomas  Paine. 
David  Wier. 


RISING  STATES'  LODGE;,  (Boston.) 

R.  W.  Benjamin  RulTell,  Pajl  Mafter. 
W.  Edmund  Bowman,  S.  Wardeny 


Subfcribers*  Names,  335 

W.  Jonathan  Willmgton,  J.  Warden^  2 

Br.  Jofeph  Clark,  Secretary^  z 

MEMBERS   and  BRETHREN. 

Enoch  Baldwin,  2  *  Job  Drew,                       2 

Jofeph  Clark,  jun.  %  Stephen  Francis. 

Benjamin  Coolidge.  %  Philip  R.  Ridgway. 

Adenton  Davenport.  |  Samuel  Williams. 


TYRIAN  LODGE,  (Gloucejier.) 

By  J.  G.  Fudger,  Secretary y  13 


MASSACHUSETTS  LODGE,  (Bojlon.) 

R.  W.  John  Boyle,  Paji  Majler. 

W.  Allen  Crocker,  P.  S.   Warden. 

'  W.  John  Wheelwright,  junior  Warden. 

R.  W.  Jofeph  Laughton,  Treafurer. 

Br.  William  V'Aix&'^i-Secretary, 

R.  W.  J.  Bradford,  P.  M. 

MEMBERS   and  BRETHREN. 

Jonathan  Amory,  jun.  6  -^  Daniel  Sargeant,  jun. 
Nathaniel  Ayres.  I   William  Smith, 

David  W.  Bradleev  |    Gideon  Snow. 

Thomas  Brewer.  |   Jefle  Sumner. 

Rufus  Davenport.  |   John  Taylor. 

Simon  Eliot,  6   i   James  Thwing, 

Judiili  Hayes,  2    |   Nathaniel  Tucker. 

Thomas  K.  Jones,  4   |    R.  D.  Tucker. 

John  Mc.  Lean,  2    |    David  Tyler. 
Samuel  Prince.  \   Robert  Wier,  junr. 

Jolhua  Revere.  41. 


33^  Suhfcribers*  Names. 

St.  PETER'S  LOPGE,  (Nenulury  Pert*) 

R.  W.  Jofliua  Greenleaf,  K.  T.  Mafter. 
W.  Stephen  Howard,  K.  T.  Senicr  Warden. 

W.  Samuel  A.  Otis,  K.  T.  Treafurer. 
-    W.  Abraham  Perkins,  K.  T.  Secretary, 

MEMBERS   and  BRETHREN. 

Edward  Bafs,  jun.  *  W.  Andrew  Frothingham, 

Edmund  M.  Blunt.  I       jun.  R.  A. 

W.  Samuel  Cutler,  K.  T,  |  Reuben  Jones. 

Jonathan  Dalton.  I  W.  Jacob  Perkins,  K.  T. 


TRINITY  LODGE,  (Lancajler.) 

R.  W.  John  Maynard,  Majler, 

W.  Eli  Steams,  Senior  Warden. 

W.  Jacob  Fifher,  Junioi  Warden, 

Br.  Jonas  Lane,  Treafurer, 

Br.  JoSah  Flagg,  Secretary, 

R.  W.  Michael  Newhall,  P.  M. 
R.  W,  Abraham  Hafkell,  P.  M. 

MEMBERS  AND  BRETHRE]^. 

Abel  W.  Atherton.  ^  Oliver  Pollard, 

Solomon  Carter,  J.  D.  f  John  Robbins. 

Edward  Goodwin,  S,  D.  |  Edward  Stevenfon. 

John  Hunt.  '  |  Robert  B.  Thomas 

Elnathan  PoUey.  |  Samuel  Ward. 


WARREN  LODGE,  (Madias.) 

R.  W.  John  Cooper,  Majier,         ^  2 

W.  Ebenezer  Inglee,  Senior  Warden. 
W.  Jacob  Penniman,  Junior  Warden, 

*  For  fcveral  of  the  fxibfcribers  in  this  Lodge,  fee  the  Royal 
Artk  lift. 


Sub/cribers*  Names,  337 

Br.  Samuel  Ellis,  Treafiirer. 
R.  W.  Ralph  H.  Bowles,  Secretary.    ' 


R.  W.  William  Chaloner,  P.  M. 

R.  W.  Marfhal  Thaxter,  P.  M, 

Br.  Phineas  Bruce. 


KING  SOLOMON'S  LODGE,  (Charkjionm.) 

R.  W.  Oliver  Holden,  Majler,  z 

W.  David  Goodwin,  jun.  Senior  Wat-den. 
W.  Amariah  Childs,  Junior  Warden. 

Br.  Melzar  Holmes,  Treafurer. 
Br.  William  M.   Engliih,  Secretary. 

MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN. 

Nathan  Adams.  ■*■   Samuel  Jaques. 

William  Bentley.  f    Peter  Jones. 

Amariah  Childs.  f   Thomas  O.Larkin, P.  S,W, 

David  Devens.  I    Lot  Meriam. 

John  Edmonds.  f   William  Newhall. 

W.  M.  Englifh.  I    William  Pratt. 

Edward  Goodwin,  I    Andrew  Radplace, 

John  Goodwin.  |    Thomas  Robbins. 

Benjamin  Gorham.  i    F.  Siflbn. 

John  Gorham.  |   Ammi  R.  Tufts. 

Jofhua  Hooper.  |    Ifaac  Williams. 

Francis  Hyde.  * 


ESSEX  LODGE,  {Sahn.) 

R.  W.  Benjamin  Hodges,  Majier. 

W.  James  King,  Senior  Warden. 
W.  Abel  Lawrence,  Junior  Warden, 

Br.  Stephen  Abbot,  Treafurer. 
Br.  Edward  Lang,  Secretary. 

R.  W.  Jofeph  HiUer,  P.  M. 


335 


Subfcribers*  Names-, 


MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN. 


John  Albree. 
John  Becket. 
Cornelius  Briggs. 
Thomas  Bowditch. 
Benjamin  Carpenter. 
John  Dabney. 
Samuel  Derby. 
James  Devereux. 
Edward  Dorr,  K 
H.  Elkins. 
Jofeph  Eveleth. 
Robert  Fofter. 
William  Godfhall. 
Jofhua  Goodale. 
Thomas  Hartfhorne. 
Daniel  Hathorne. 
Hugh  Irwin. 


■*f^  John  Jenks. 

^  Samuel  Mafbury. 

V  Jonathan  Mafon. 

W  James  Odell. 

f  Joflah  Orne. 

I  John  Page. 

(|  Samuel  Page. 

"    I  David  Patten,  R.  A. 

T.  i  William  Patterfon. 

I  Jonathan  Perce. 

I  Daniel  Sage. 

I  Enoch  Swett. 

I  M.  Townfend. 

I  Robert  Tucker. 

I  Ifaac  Very. 

I  Jofeph  Vincent. 

^  John  Wefton. 


LINCOLN  LODGE,  (Wifcapt.) 

R.  W.  Abiel  Wood,  Mafler^ 

W.  Jacob  Bro-wn,  Senior  Warden. 

W.  Jofeph  Stevens,  Junior  Warden. 

Br.  Thomas  W.  Crate,  Treafurer. 

Br.  Jofeph  Tinkham,  Secretary. 


R.  W.  Silas  Lee,  P.  M. 


MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN 

Samuel  Adams. 

Roylance  Childs,  3 

J.  Choate. 

Ezekiel  Cutler,  S.  D. 

John  Duhon,  2 

John  Farley. 

John  S.  Faye. 


Ebenezer  Gove. 
William  Hodge. 
Jeremiah  W.  Noyes. 
Michael  Ofborn. 
Maiincr  Pearfon. 
Alexander  Troupe,  J.  D. 


Sub/criben*  Names.  339 

MORNING  STAR  LODGE,  (Worcefter.) 

R.  W.  James  Wilfon,   Mafler^  2 

M.   Benjamin  Andrews,  Senior  Warden. 
W.  Jedediah  Healey,  yunior  Warden. 

Br.  Jeffe  Craig,  Treafurer. 

Br.  John  Green,  Secretary. 

R.  W.  William  Caldwell,  P.  M.  2 

R.  W.  Nathaniel  Paine,  P.  M.  2 

MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN. 

Jofeph  Allen,  jun.  ^    Daniel  Goulding. 

Daniel  Boyter,  f   John  Johnfon. 

Thomas  Chandler.  I    George  Merriam. 

Zenas  Crane.  I    Ephraim  Mower. 

Samuel  Flagg.  I   William  White. 


FRANKLIN  LODGE,  {Chejhlre.) 

R.  W.  Robert  Walker,  Majler. 
W.  Chad  Brown^  Senior  Warden. 


R.  W.  Jofeph  Jarvis,  P.  M. 

MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN. 

Melandthon  W.    Wells,      "^    Barney  J.  Read. 
R.  A.  ^   Jotham  Cufhman. 


REPUBLICAN  LODGE,  {Greenfield.) 

R.  W.  John  Stone,  Majler. 
W.  Amos  Comwell,  Senior  Warden. 
W.  William  Wait,  Junior  Warden. 

Br.  Calvin  Munn,  Treafurer. 

Br.  Caleb  Alvord,  Secretary. 

R.  W.  John  Long,  P.  M. 


340 


Subfcribers*  Names, 


MEMBERS  ANP  BRETHREN. 


Elijah  Alvord. 
JElijah  Alvord,  2d. 
Daniel  Afhcraft. 
Jofeph  Babcock  2d. 
JohnW.  Blake. 
Mofes  Bondwell. 
Dudley  Filk. 
Samuel  Flas 
Lemuel  Fol 
Eli  Grave*. 
Calvin  HaU. 


Jofeph  Henry. 
Robert  Henry. 
Elijah  Lamb. 
Samuel  Pickett,  jun= 
John  Picks. 
Samuel  Rofs. 
Stephen  Taylor. 
David  Wait. 
Stephen  WebHer,  2d. 
Elifha  Wells. 


COLUMBIAN  LODGE,  {Bofton.) 

R.  W.  John  W.  Folfom,  Majlery 
W.  Amafa  Stetfon,  Senior  Warden. 
W.  Daniel  Baxter,  Junior  Warden. 
Br.  Samuel  Stetfon,  Treajurer. 
Br.  William  J.  Mc.  Donell,  Secretary, 


R.  W.  Jofeph  Churchill,  P.  M. 


Samuel  Albree. 
Edward  Atkins. 
John  G.  Coffin. 
Ammi  Cutter,  jun. 
Mefor  Davidfon. 
William  Farmer. 
Thomas  Feflendon. 
John  B.  Green. 
John  B.  Hammatt. 
William  Ingalls. 


MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN. 


Samuel  Johns. 
Peter  Kennedy. 
John  Perkins, 
Thomas  Pons. 
J.  F.  Sleeper. 
John  Somes. 
Benjamin  Stetfon. 
Elifha  Tower. 
John  J.  Volentine. 
William  Whittington. 


Subfcribers*  Names,    .  34I 

CINCINNATUS  LODGE,  (2V>w  Marlborough.) 

R.  W.  Dan  Chappell,  Mafter. 

br.  John  Budd. 

Br.  Benjamin  Rogers. 


tVASHINGTON  LODGE,  {Roxhury.) 

R.  W.  John  Ward,  Majier. 

W.  Phinehas  Withington,  Senior  Warden. 

W.  Samuel  Barry,  Jitnior  Warden. 

Br.  Jofeph  Ruggles,  Treafurer. 

Br.  John  Bowen,  Secretary. 

R.  W.  Ebenezer  Seaver,  P.  M. 

R.  W.  Simeon  Pratt,  P.  M. 
R.  W.  Nathaniel  Ruggles,  P.  M. 

MEMBERS  ANB  BRETHREN. 

David  Dana.  ■^  Mofes  Harriman. 

Ebenezer  Davis.  |  Thomas  Williams,  jun» 

Charles  Durant.  |  Enos  Withington. 

Samuel  Gore.  I 


KING  HIRAM  LODGE,  {Truro.) 

R.  W.  Jonathan  Cook,  Majier. 

W.  Jofhua  Atkins  Mayo,  Senior  Warden, 

W.  Jonathan  Nickerfon,  Junior  Warden^ 

Br.   Solomon  Cook,  Treafurer. 

Br.  Samuel  Cook,  Secretary 

MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN. 

Stephen  Atkins,  jun.  "t   S.  Coxnate. 

Edward  Cook.  ®   Freeman  Gozer. 


342  Subfcribers^  Names. 

HARMONY  LODGE,  {Northfield,) 

R-  W.  Solomon  Vofe,  Paji  Majier. 

Br.  Edward  Houghton,  Treafurer. 

Br.  Samuel  Whiting,  jun.   Secretary. 

Br.  Obadiah  Dickinfon. 

Br.  Elifha  Hollifter. 

Br.  Mofes  Howe. 


UNION  LODGE,    {Dcrchejler.) 

R.  W.  James  Davenport,  Majier. 

W.  Edward  W.   Baxter,  Senior  Warden. 

W.  Samuel  B-  Lyon,  Jtmior  Warden. 

Br.  Thomas  Williams,  Tj-eafurer. 

Br.   Nathaniel  Minot,  Secretary. 

R.  W.  Ebenezer  Withington,  3d.  R.  A.  P.  M.     2 
R.  W.  Edmund  Baker,  R.  A.Y.M.  4 

MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN. 

Samuel  Capen.  ■*■  John  Holmes. 

Henry  Cox.  |  Samuel  How. 

Samfiel  Crehoi-e,   R.  A.    .  |  Benjamin  Jacobs. 

Ebenezer  Davenport,  jun.    |  Lewis  Leach. 

Jofiah  Davenport.  |  George  Manning. 

Jofeph  Fofter.  |  John  Mellift. 

Amafa  Fuller,  2    |  Samuel  Richards. 

Samuel  Glover.  |  John  Sullivan. 

Jefle  Goodenow.  ^  Edward  Withington. 

John  Hawes.  |  Jofeph  W.  Withington. 

Bela  Heaifey.  X  Lemuel  Withington. 


THOMAS'  LODGE,  {Monfin.) 

R.  W.  Samuel  Guthrie,  Majier. 

'  W.  Oizem  Blaflifield,  Senior  Warden. 

W.   Ede  Whitaker,  junior  Warden. 

Br.   Ifaac  Holmes  Treafurer. 

Br.  Joel  Norcrols,  Secretary. 


Subfcribers*  Names. 


343 


MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN, 

Gideon  Abbot. 
Calvin  Eaton. 
Hezekiali  Fifk. 
John  Hoar. 
Comfort  Johnfon. 


Alfred  Munn. 
Amos  Norcrofs. 
Clement  Trowbridge. 
Edward  Turner. 
Samuel  D.  Ward. 


FELLOWSHIP  LODGE,  {Bridge'water*) 

R.  W.  Simeon  Dunbar,  Mafler. 
W.   Ifaac  Ijazel,  Senior  Warden. 

Br.  Nathan  Lazel,  Treafurer. 
Br.  Daniel  Howard,  Secretary, 

R.  W.  Hedor  Orr,  P.  M. 


MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN. 


Seth  Alden. 
John  Ames,  jun. 
Elias  Dunbar. 
Noah  Fearing. 
Daniel  Howard, 


*• 


Sylvanus  Lazell. 
Nathan  Mitchel. 
Daniel  Ripley. 
Zenas  Walhbura. 


CORINTHIAN  LODGE,  {Concord.) 

R.  W.  Thomas  Heald,  Majier.. 

W.   Reuben  Bryant,  Senior  Warden. 

W.  Andrew  Adams,  Ju7iior  Warden. 

Br.   John  Richardfon,  Treafurer. 

MEMBERS  AND   BRETHREN. 


Nathaniel  Adams. 
Theodore  Babfon. 
Abel  Barrett,  P.  J. 
Samuel  Barrett. 
Daniel  Brooks. 


♦  S.  P.  P.  Fay. 

I  John  Hartwell,  P. 

W.       I  Jonathan  Hildreth. 

I  Jonathan  Hoar. 

I  Cyrus  Hofmer. 


S.  W 


344  Subfcribers*  Names, 

Jofhua  Brooks.  *  Francis  Jarvls. 

Roger  Brown.  |  Henry  Jones. 

Horatio  J.  Buttrick.  |  Thomas  Mercero 

Jonathan  Curtis.  i  Samuel  Tuttle. 


St.  PAUL'S  LODGE,  {Groton,) 

R.  W.  Oliver  Prefcott,  jun.  Mafter. 

W.  Timothy  Bigelow,  Senior  Warden. 

W.  James  Prefcott,  Junior  Warden. 

Br.  Thomas  Gardner,  Treafurer. 

Br.  John  Waltonj  Secretary, 


R.  W.  James  Brazer,  Paji  Majier. 
R.  W.  Thomas  Whitney,  Pajl  Majier, 

MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN^ 

Shobal  C.  Allen.  *  Wallis  Little. 

Abel  Boynton.  |  Abel  Moore. 

Tilly  Buttrick.  I  Samfon  Woods. 

Jofeph  Cummings,  jun.  ^ 


OLIVE  BRANCH  LODGE,  {Oxford.) 

R.  W.  Jonathan  Learned,  Majier. 

W.  Jeremiah  Kingfbury,  jun.  Senior  Warden. 

W.   Reuben  Barton,  Junior  Warden. 

Br.  Sylvanus  Town,  Treafurer. 

Br.  Peter  Butler,  S.  D. 

Br.  William  Robinfon,_J.  D. 

Br.  Jonathan  Davis. 


MERIDIAN  SUN  LODGE,  {Brookjield.) 

.      R.  W.  Cheney  Reed,  Majier. 
W.   Benjamin  Drury,  Senior  Warden. 
W.  Francis  Clark,  Junior  Warden, 

Br.  John  Cutter,  Treafurer. 
Br.  Liberty  Bannifter,  Secretary. 


Subfcribers'  Names*  345 

MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN. 

Robert  Cutler.  t  Mofes  Hitchcock. 

Simeon  Draper.  ^  Daniel  Morfe. 

Pearley  Hale.  I  Thomas  Rice. 

Enos  Hitchcock.  I  Tilly  Rice,  jun. 


MERIDIAN  LODGE,  {Waterto'wn.) 

R.  W.  Nathaniel  Weld,  Majier. 

W.  Jofeph  Pierce,  Semor  IVarden. 

W.  William  Bond,  Junior  Warden. 

R.  W.  William  Hull,  P.  M. 

MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN. 

Jonathan  Alden.  ■*•  Walter  Hunnewell. 

Daniel  Coolidge.  1'    R.   Richardfon. 

Nathan  Fuller  ||)   Jonas  Wood. 


MOUNT  MORIAH  LODGE,  {Reading.) 

R.  W.  John  Hart,  Majier. 

W.  Oliver  Pope,  Senior  IVarden. 

W.  James  Gould,  Junior  Warden. 

Br.  David  Smith,  Treafurer. 

Br.  Thomas  Swain,  Secretary. 


MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN. 

Thomas  Emerfon.  *   Oliver  Swain. 

Stephen  Hale.  *    Nathaniel  Wiley. 


34^  Subfcriben^  Names. 

EASTERN  STAR  LODGE,  {Rehohth.) 

R.  W.   Ifaac  Fowler,  R.  A.   Ma^r. 

W.  Lewis  Wheaton,  R.   A.   Senior  Wardeiu 

W.  James  Ellis,  R.  A.  Junior  Warden. 

Br.  Jofeph  Wheaton,  Treafiirer. 

Br.  Ebenezer  Short,  Secretary. 

MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN. 

Benajah  Barney.  *  Ifrael  Nichols. 

Philip  Bowers,  I  Nathaniel  M.  Pidge. 

Gardner  Mafon.  I  Barnard  Wheeler,  S.  D. 

Gardner  Mafon,  2d.  I  Daniel  Wheeler. 

Jacob  Miller.  ^ 


KING  DAVID'S  LODGE,  {rauntoji.) 

R.  W.  John  W.   Smith,  Majier. 

W.  William  Seaver,  Senior  Warden. 

W.   Fofter  Swift,  Junior  Warden. 

R.  W.  Seth  Paddleford,  R.  A.  P.  M. 
MEMBERS  AND  BRETHREN. 

Samuel  Crocker.  -^   Leonard  Porter. 

Samuel  Fales.  fP   James  Sproat. 


Names  interfperfed  in  the  preceding  Lifts. 

Br.  Jofeph  Gleafon,  of  St.  Andrew's  Lodge,  {Bojion.) 

Br.  J.  D.   Hopkins,  J.  D.  of  Portland  Lodge. 

Br.  Ifaac  Story,  J.  W.    of  Hancock  Lodge. 

Br.  Caleb  Allen,  of  Mount  Vernon  Lodge. 


Subfchlers^  Names,  ^4? 

GRAND  ROYAL  ARCH  CHAPTER 

OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

Benjamin  Hurd,  jun.  G.  H.   P.  ^ 

Joshua  Greenleaf,  D.  G.   H.   P. 

William  Mc.   Kean,  G.   K. 

Charles  Jackson,  G.   Scribe. 

Seth  Sweetser,  G.  Secretary. 

Henry  Purkitt,  G.  Marflial. 

Hezekiah  Hudson, 


Hezekiah  Hudson,  "1 
Amos  Tappan,  (    ^ 

David  Stanwood,       C 
Angier  March,        J 


Stewards. 


Robert  Newman,  Gr.   Infide  Centinel. 
William  Tarbox,  Gr.  Outfide  Tyler. 


OFFICERS  of  St.  ANDREW'S  ROYAL  ARCH 
CHAPTER,  (Bo/ion.) 

M.  E.  James  Harrlfon,  H.  P. 

E.  Henry  Fowle,  K. 

E.  John  Lamfon,  S. 

C.  Elifha  Sigourney,  T. 

C.   Samuel  Billings,  P.  S. 

C.  Andrew  Sigourney,  R.  A.  C 

C.  Hezekiah  Hudfon,  C  Hoft. 

Companions,  Henry  Purkitt,     1 

Jofeph  Tucker,      |-    G.  M.  V. 
Benjamin  Smith,  J 
John  Raymond,  K.  T. 


34^  Subfcrihers*  Names, 

OFFICERS  OF  KING  CYRUS'    ROYAL   ARCH 
CHAPTER,  {Newbury  Port.) 

M.  E.  Jonathan  Gage,  H.  P. 
*►  E.  Oilman  White,  K. 

E.  Nathaniel  Knap,  jun.  S. 

C.  Samuel  A.  Otis,  T. 

C.  Edward  Dorr,  P.   S. 

C.  Charles  Jackfon,  C.  H. 

Companions,  David  Coffin,      ~i 

Amos  Tappan,    J-    G.  M.  V. 
Angier  March,    J 
E.  Dudley  Atkin3  Tyng,  P.  G.  K.  &  K.  T.       4 
E.  William  Woart,  P.  G.   Secretary. 


I^f. 


l*l'-»^. 


